A Message From the Superintendent

Mark Evans

Dear OPS Community Members:


Positive things are happening around the district and the hashtag #OPSProud reflects the spirit that is felt in classrooms and hallways throughout our schools. Community partnerships, parent participation and dedicated, caring staff are making a difference in the lives of our students. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and we’re on track to continue the momentum.


We are grateful to the Omaha voters for passing the 2014 $421 million bond issue that authorized the district to renovate fire, life safety, security and technology in our schools, replace four existing schools, build a new school at 32nd and Burt Streets and add additions at twelve schools to address capacity issues. While the bond has made a significant dent in the district’s needs, it only addressed half of the work identified in the 2014 Facilities Capital Plan. 

To fulfill our promise to staff, students, parents and the Omaha voters, the district now needs to complete capital improvements at nine elementary buildings, two middle schools, all seven high schools and two alternative programs.  Additionally, to alleviate capacity issues in northwest and south Omaha, five new buildings need to be built, four in south Omaha and one in northwest Omaha.  

Also included in the Phase 2 plan are additions to five elementary schools and two middle schools to reduce and/or eliminate portable classrooms.  The capital improvement work at existing schools identified in the Phase 2 plan has been rated as critical, potentially critical and/or necessary.  Building the new schools and completing the work will require the approval of a $409.9 million bond by the taxpayers.

I encourage you to study the information contained on this website to learn more about the details of the Phase 2 bond issue.  Thank you for your support in providing the $421 million bond, and for your continued support of the Omaha Public Schools!
 

Sincerely,

Mark Evans, Superintendent

Omaha Public Schools