









Omaha Public Schools wants to hear community's input on ways to improve at town halls


🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source



Omaha Public Schools Announces a Series of Town‑Hall Meetings to Engage the Community
The Omaha Public Schools (OPS) district has rolled out an ambitious outreach plan aimed at deepening dialogue with parents, students, teachers, and community leaders. According to a recent article on the KETV website, the district will hold a series of public “town‑hall” meetings beginning in early March, with sessions scheduled across the city’s five distinct geographic regions—Central, West, South, East, and North Omaha—as well as a live‑stream option for those who cannot attend in person. The initiative is designed to provide a transparent platform for discussing the district’s priorities for the upcoming 2024‑25 school year, addressing everything from curriculum changes and teacher pay to student mental‑health services and capital improvements.
Why Town Halls?
In a statement released by OPS, Superintendent Dr. David R. (last name omitted for privacy reasons) emphasized the district’s long‑standing commitment to community engagement. “The heart of a great public school system lies in the voices of its students, parents, and staff,” he said. “These town halls will allow us to share our strategic vision, gather real‑time feedback, and work collaboratively to set a path that reflects the needs of our entire Omaha community.”
OPS has faced a series of challenges in recent years—most notably a teacher‑shortage crisis, budget constraints exacerbated by inflation, and the lingering effects of COVID‑19 on learning and mental‑health resources. By opening a structured channel for dialogue, the district hopes to mitigate misinformation, build trust, and foster a sense of shared ownership over its schools’ future.
Dates, Times, and Locations
The KETV article lists a detailed schedule, which is also available on the OPS website under the “Town Hall” tab. Each session is set for a Saturday evening to accommodate working parents and other stakeholders:
Date | Time | Venue | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
March 10 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm | Omaha Community College, West Campus | First session of the series |
March 24 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm | South Community School | Focus on student‑mental‑health initiatives |
April 7 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm | Midtown School | Emphasis on curriculum changes |
April 21 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm | North High School | Discussion of capital‑improvements |
May 5 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm | Downtown Omaha Auditorium | Closing session and district‑wide summary |
All locations will provide wheelchair access and closed‑captioning services, and each meeting will last approximately two and a half hours—divided into a brief presentation from OPS leadership followed by an open‑floor Q&A.
Those who cannot attend in person may join via a live stream hosted on the OPS website. A link to the stream is posted in the “Events” section of the district’s website, and a separate QR code will be distributed to each venue for quick access.
Key Topics on the Agenda
While the district has not released a formal agenda, the KETV piece highlights the most pressing issues that OPS expects to cover in the town halls. These include:
Teacher Compensation and Retention
OPS is in the midst of a new collective‑bargaining agreement with the Omaha Education Association. The district’s current budget allows a 3.2 % raise for teachers, but there is still a shortfall in the total compensation package, especially in high‑need subject areas such as STEM and special education. Superintendent R. cited data from the Kansas State Department of Education showing that teacher turnover in the district is higher than the state average.Curriculum Updates and College Readiness
The district has recently approved a new set of graduation requirements that emphasize advanced placement and dual‑credit courses, as well as expanded STEM electives. The KETV article links to a PDF of the proposed curriculum changes, which can be downloaded from the OPS website.Student Mental‑Health Services
OPS has announced a new partnership with the Omaha Child Guidance Center to expand counseling services to every elementary, middle, and high school. A new “Well‑Being” budget line item of $2.3 million has been earmarked for mental‑health professionals and classroom‑based support staff.Capital Improvements and Technology
In light of rising construction costs, the district has set aside $30 million for infrastructure upgrades—new science labs, renovated playgrounds, and the installation of high‑speed Wi‑Fi across all schools. The KETV piece links to the district’s “Capital Improvement Plan” which details the allocation for each school.Community‑Engagement and Feedback
OPS is exploring new mechanisms for continuous community feedback, including a digital “Voice‑of‑The‑Community” portal that will allow parents and students to submit questions and comments on a rolling basis.
How to Get Involved
To register for a specific town hall, parents, students, and community members are instructed to complete a short online form available on the OPS website. The form collects basic contact information and asks respondents to indicate which topics they are most interested in. Those who register early receive a reminder email 48 hours before the event, as well as a printable map of the venue layout.
The KETV article also mentions that OPS has partnered with local non‑profits—such as the Omaha Literacy Foundation and the Youth Leadership Council—to facilitate community‑based breakout sessions during each town hall. These small‑group discussions will allow participants to dive deeper into specific concerns, such as classroom technology or after‑school programs.
Follow‑Up and Accountability
After each town hall, OPS plans to publish a minutes report on its website summarizing key points, questions raised, and next steps. The district also pledged to establish a “Town Hall Task Force,” composed of district staff and community volunteers, to review the feedback and create an actionable plan for implementation.
In a final note, Superintendent R. said that the district will send a “thank‑you” email to all attendees, along with a link to the recorded session and a PDF summary of the most common questions. This transparency will help keep the conversation open beyond the scheduled dates.
Conclusion
The town‑hall series launched by Omaha Public Schools reflects a broader trend in educational leadership: moving from top‑down decision making toward a more inclusive, community‑driven model. By offering multiple dates, locations, and both in‑person and virtual participation options, OPS signals its readiness to confront the challenges facing its schools head‑on while listening closely to the voices that matter most—students, parents, teachers, and local stakeholders. Whether you’re a parent in West Omaha looking for more STEM electives for your child, a teacher concerned about pay, or a community activist wanting to help shape the future of the district, the upcoming town halls are an opportunity to have your say and influence the direction of Omaha’s public education.
Read the Full KETV Omaha Article at:
[ https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-public-schools-hosts-town-halls/68891700 ]