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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe drumbeat for change to the Omaha Public School board has become deafening,\u201d Lautenbaugh said. \u201cThese issues are not going to go away.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe may not be able to correct everything, but we can make sure everything is done with introspection,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is a shot across the bow to remind them that the Legislature is constitutionally authorized to run the public schools.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI fundamentally believe many, if not all, problems come down to board governance, leadership and accountability,\u201d Wayne said. \u201cIt\u2019s about a governing structure that\u2019s more effective and efficient.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Omaha resident Nancy Huston also opposed the bill, questioning the speed with which the bill was being presented.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere is the voice of the voter who just elected four new board members in November?\u201d she asked. \u201cA bill of this magnitude needs to be considered carefully. Citizens should have the opportunity to learn about and respond to the bill.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cOPS does understand we have a huge job in changing the achievement gap,\u201d Moon said. \u201cBut we want to be sure we\u2019re a part of making this bill the best it can be in serving the students and parents of OPS for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The following boards and commissions would be eliminated:
\n\u2022 the Affirmative Action Committee;
\n\u2022 the State Airline Authority;
\n\u2022 the Athletic Advisory Committee;
\n\u2022 the Livestock Auction Market Board;
\n\u2022 the Private Postsecondary Career Schools Advisory Council;
\n\u2022 the Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force; and
\n\u2022 the Rural Development Commission.<\/p>\n
The committee took no immediate action on either bill.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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