Bill calls for smaller OPS board, new election

The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard testimony Jan. 24 on a bill that would reduce the size of the Omaha Public School (OPS) board and call for all positions to be re-elected.

Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh introduced LB125, saying the Legislature needs to exercise its constitutional authority to manage school boards. He said the size of the Omaha school board is far too large to efficiently address the needs of students, including the widening achievement gap.

“The drumbeat for change to the Omaha Public School board has become deafening,” Lautenbaugh said. “These issues are not going to go away.

Under the proposal, the membership of the board would be reduced from 12 to nine members. Election of school board members would be changed to coincide with the citywide election instead of the general election.

The bill also contains a provision to institute term limits of two consecutive four-year terms with an allowance to run for the position again after a four-year hiatus. Lautenbaugh said a forthcoming committee amendment would remove the term limit provision.

Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers, a co-sponsor, testified in support of the bill. He said that change will always leave some people unhappy, but it is necessary.

“We may not be able to correct everything, but we can make sure everything is done with introspection,” he said. “This is a shot across the bow to remind them that the Legislature is constitutionally authorized to run the public schools.”

Justin Wayne, a current member of the OPS board, also supported the bill, saying that reducing the size of the board is the first step in building a better-run school district.

“I fundamentally believe many, if not all, problems come down to board governance, leadership and accountability,” Wayne said. “It’s about a governing structure that’s more effective and efficient.”

Former senator Brenda Council testified in opposition to the bill. She said the Legislature absolutely has the authority to govern school boards, but that the proposed bill is trying to govern the character of the people who run OPS.

“Anyone suggesting to you that there is a correlation between the number of people on the board and the quality of the people in the board is not being honest,” she said.

Omaha resident Nancy Huston also opposed the bill, questioning the speed with which the bill was being presented.

“Where is the voice of the voter who just elected four new board members in November?” she asked. “A bill of this magnitude needs to be considered carefully. Citizens should have the opportunity to learn about and respond to the bill.”

OPS interim superintendent Virginia Moon testified in a neutral capacity. She said the school district had voted to take a neutral position because there is a need for change.

“OPS does understand we have a huge job in changing the achievement gap,” Moon said. “But we want to be sure we’re a part of making this bill the best it can be in serving the students and parents of OPS for years to come.”

The committee also considered LB78, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery, which would eliminate certain boards and commissions. Avery said those selected either had not met in the last four years or had no significant accomplishments to report.

The following boards and commissions would be eliminated:
• the Affirmative Action Committee;
• the State Airline Authority;
• the Athletic Advisory Committee;
• the Livestock Auction Market Board;
• the Private Postsecondary Career Schools Advisory Council;
• the Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force; and
• the Rural Development Commission.

The committee took no immediate action on either bill.