Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Search
-
Omaha Public Schools is conducting a comprehensive search for its next superintendent following Cheryl Logan, Ed.D.'s departure in June 2023. The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education selected Mr. Matthew Ray to serve as interim superintendent for the 2023-24 school year, allowing time for a thoughtful process to identify our school district's next leader.
Details about the work and community engagement so far are listed by date below, including a current Board-approved timeline for the search. Board members always welcome feedback from our community. Stay tuned to this page (ops.org/superintendentsearch) for updates and engagement opportunities through the rest of the search.
Omaha Public Schools Board of Education Selects Candidate for Superintendent of Schools
-
Tuesday evening, the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education interviewed four Superintendent Search finalists during a Special Meeting. The public interviews concluded two days of school tours and stakeholder meet-and-greets.
After the interviews, our Board voted to make a conditional offer to Mr. Matthew Ray.
Matthew Ray received his Ed.S. from the University of Nebraska Kearney, and MS in Educational Administration, BS in Elementary Education and BS in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Mr. Ray is currently serving as Interim Superintendent of the Omaha Public Schools. Previous positions include Deputy Superintendent/Chief of Staff, Interim Chief of Accountability, School Improvement and Innovation, Interim Chief Academic Officer, Secretary to the Board of Education and Executive Director of Student and Community Services for the Omaha Public Schools.
“We look forward to working with Mr. Ray, preparing all students for success in college, career and life,” said Board of Education President Spencer Head in a letter to staff and families announcing the decision. Vice President Ricky Smith thanked the candidates and community members who contributed since May 2023. “Your participation has been an essential part of the search. Thousands of staff, family, student and community voices guided this process. We value and appreciate the time you invested,” wrote Smith.
A detailed contract with Mr. Ray will come back to the Board for approval in the near future.
Finalists, Community Meet and Greet and Public Interviews
-
Feb. 8, 2024: Omaha Public Schools Board of Education Approves Superintendent Search Finalists
On Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education voted to approve four finalists in its superintendent search.
After accepting applications for the role between October 2023 and January 2024, the search firm hired by the Board of Education thoroughly reviewed the applications and qualifications of all 26 applicants. Candidates included educational leaders from Nebraska and 18 other states.
The finalists are:
Thomas Ahart received his Ed.D., Ed.S., and MPA from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and his BA in Speech Communications from the University of Denver in Colorado.
Dr. Ahart currently is a Consultant/Coach contracted with the Council of Great City Schools. His previous positions include Superintendent of Schools in the Des Moines Public Schools, Associate Superintendent and Middle School Principal in the Des Moines Public Schools, and Director of Human Resources in the Ankeny Community School District in Ankeny, Iowa.
Christopher Bernier received his Ed.D. from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, MS in Educational Leadership from NOVA Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and his BA in U.S. History from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York.
Dr. Bernier currently serves as Superintendent of Schools for the School District of Lee County in Fort Meyers, Florida. His previous positions include Chief of Staff in the Clark County School District, Las Vegas, Nevada, Associate Superintendent and Senior Director of Professional Development in the Orange County Public Schools, Orlando, Florida, and Middle and High School Principal in Orlando, Florida.
Matthew Ray received his Ed.S. from the University of Nebraska Kearney, and MS in Educational Administration, BS in Elementary Education and BS in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Mr. Ray is currently serving as Interim Superintendent of the Omaha Public Schools. Previous positions include Deputy Superintendent/Chief of Staff, Interim Chief of Accountability, School Improvement and Innovation, Interim Chief Academic Officer, Secretary to the Board of Education and Executive Director of Student and Community Services for the Omaha Public Schools.
Luis Solano received his Ed.S. from Florida International University in Miami, MBA from NOVA Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, MS in Special Education and BS in Special Education from Florida International University.
Mr. Solano currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Detroit Public Schools Community District. He previously served as Associate Superintendent in Collier County Public Schools in Florida as well as High School Principal in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools in Florida.
“We are proud to serve in Nebraska’s largest and most diverse school district, committed to preparing all students for success. We’ve said throughout the search, we take this responsibility most seriously,” said Board of Education President Spencer Head in a letter to staff and families. “We look forward to the next steps of our search and invite our community to participate. We’re grateful for their input throughout the search,” added Board of Education Vice President Ricky Smith.
Final steps of the superintendent search include:
Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The community is invited to a meet-and-greet with each of the finalists inside Buena Vista High at 5616 L St. in Omaha.
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, 5 p.m.
The Board of Education will hold a public meeting to interview each finalist. The meeting will again be inside TAC and streamed at ops.org/board.
-
Jan. 30, 2024: Save the Date – Superintendent Search Next Steps
Save the dates for the next steps in our Superintendent Search.
Our Board of Education and search firm plan to announce finalists for the position at our Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, public meeting. It begins at 6 p.m. inside the Teacher Administrative Center (TAC) and will be streamed at ops.org/board. TAC is located at 3215 Cuming St., Omaha, NE, 68131.
Join us Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for a community meet and greet open house with the finalists. It will be inside Buena Vista High, 5616 L St., Omaha, NE, 68117.
On Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, our Board of Education will hold a public meeting to interview each finalist. We anticipate it will begin at 5 p.m. inside TAC. The meeting will again be streamed at ops.org/board.
Since May 2023, your input has guided this process. It continues to. Responses to our May 2023 survey, October 2023 survey and fall community forum feedback helped develop our 13 attributes of an ideal candidate.
We will continue to communicate directly with you. After the Feb. 8 announcement, look for an email with information about the finalists and a reminder for the meet and greet open house. The latest information is always posted to ops.org/superintendentsearch.
Please always feel free to share ideas, feedback, questions and concerns with our Board of Education members.
Thank you for your participation through the search.
Search Timeline, Community Engagement and Job Posting
-
Jan. 17, 2024: Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Search Update
We are entering the next phase of our Superintendent Search.
Between Oct. 17, 2023, and Jan. 16, 2024, our search firm recruited candidates and accepted applications for Omaha Public Schools Superintendent. The application window has now closed, and the search firm will thoroughly review all applications and candidate qualifications.
Since May 2023, your input has guided this process. It continues to. Responses to our May 2023 survey, October 2023 survey and fall community forum feedback helped develop our 13 attributes of an ideal candidate.
From here, our Board of Education will review semi-finalists and later announce finalists for the position. We will host public interviews with finalists and anticipate selecting a candidate in mid-February.
As we’ve said throughout the search, our work for students moves forward. Inside OPS, Board Digests, ESSER in Action and more show our focus on school improvement and our students’ academic success.
We will continue to communicate directly with you. Each update will be sent to staff, families and high school students by email. The latest information will also be posted to ops.org/superintendentsearch.
Please always feel free to share ideas, feedback, questions and concerns with our Board of Education members. Our contact information is online at ops.org/board.
-
Oct. 16, 2023 - Approval of the Proposed Profile of a Superintendent and Job Posting
GR Recruiting, the search firm engaged by the Board of Education, presented results from Superintendent Search stakeholder engagement between May and October 2023. Since beginning the search, Board of Education members regularly highlighted how essential student, staff, family and community input would be. Engagement included:
- May and September/October survey windows
- Individual conversations with Board of Education members
- 42 stakeholder engagement meetings and community forums
Surveys received 2,691 responses and more than 278 people participated in the meetings and forums.
Using those responses, Board of Education members voted on 13 attributes of an ideal candidate:
- …is an effective communicator, creating strong school and community relations.
- ...is a trusted leader who values ethics and integrity, by practicing moral authority.
- ...is accountable and responsible for actions.
- ...leads by example through honest practices.
- ...builds strong diverse teams and promotes teamwork for success for all.
- ...shows transparency by sharing the organization’s goals and challenges to promote staff engagement.
- ...empowers others by promoting team strengths & students first approach.
- ...provides sustained, systemic, and evidence-based interventions to obtain equitable access to learning for all students.
- ...balances hard truths with optimism by exercising resiliency in the face of challenges.
- ...makes strategic, high-quality decisions with big-picture lens, while managing district resources.
- ...is able to adapt well to changing circumstances.
- ...knows stakeholders’ interests through listening and learning continuously.
- …is dedicated to a long-term commitment with the district.
The Profile of a Superintendent is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather is intended to provide potential candidates with an overview of the qualities the Board and community seek in the next superintendent. The Profile of a Superintendent will become part of the Board of Education’s job posting and can serve as a guide for evaluating applicants.
On Oct. 17, 2023, GR Recruiting posted the job and began accepting applications. The job posting is anticipated to remain open through Jan. 16, 2024.
Following the application window, the search firm will review candidates and recommend semi-finalists to the Board of Education. The complete search timeline, approved at the June, 5, 2023, Board of Education meeting, is available here.
-
Oct. 4, 2023 - Community Forums Complete, Survey Window Closed
The fall Superintendent Search survey window is now closed. Input from the students, staff and families we serve is essential to this work.
In our May and October surveys, we asked responders about our school district’s strengths, opportunities and the qualifications of an ideal future superintendent.
The survey was available again in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Somali, Nepalese and Burmese.
Between Sept. 28 and Oct. 4, our district hosted 12 community forums to gather input on our district’s strengths, opportunities, and the qualifications of an ideal future superintendent. The Board hosted the forums in partnership with our superintendent search firm. There was at least one forum in each Board of Education subdistrict, with options during the day, evening and weekend. Multiple locations were accessible by public transit. Bilingual liaisons were available at each forum.
This feedback will guide our Board of Education’s work through the recruitment, application and selection process. If you have ideas, feedback, questions or concerns, you can always contact Board of Education members. Open communication is important to us.
-
Sept. 28, 2023 - Superintendent Search Fall Survey Window Now Open and Community Forums Sept. 28 – Oct. 4
The fall survey Superintendent Search survey window is now open. Input from the students, staff and families we serve is essential to this work.
If you did not complete the survey in May, please share your thoughts before Oct. 10, 2023.
Questions are the same from the May 2023 survey, asking about our school district’s strengths, opportunities and the qualifications of an ideal future superintendent.
The survey is available again in multiple languages. They include English, Spanish, Somali, Nepalese and Burmese. Responses are anonymous.
Between Sept. 28 and Oct. 4, our district will host 12 community forums to gather input on our district’s strengths, opportunities, and the qualifications of an ideal future superintendent. The Board will host these in partnership with our superintendent search firm.
Ten forums will be held in person and two of them virtually. There is at least one forum in each Board of Education subdistrict, with options during the day, evening and weekend. Multiple locations are accessible by public transit. Bilingual liaisons will be available at each forum. We appreciate your time and participation.
Date/Time
Location
Thursday, Sept. 28, 6-7 p.m.
South High, Theater, 4519 S. 24th St.
Thursday, Sept. 28, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Burke High, Cafeteria, 12200 Burke Blvd.
Friday, Sept. 29, 1:45-2:45 p.m.
Virtual Community Forum*
Friday, Sept. 29, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Lewis & Clark Middle, Gymnasium, 6901 Burt St.
Saturday, Sept. 30, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
North High, Viking Center, 4410 N. 36th St.
Saturday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m.-12 p.m
Virtual Community Forum*
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 8-9 a.m.
TAC Building, Auditorium, 3215 Cuming St.
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 6-7 p.m.
McMillan Middle, Cafeteria, 3802 Redick Ave.
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 6-7 p.m.
Buena Vista High, Cafeteria, 5616 L St.
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7:15-8:15 p.m.
Norris Middle, Cafeteria, 2235 S. 46th St.
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6-7 p.m.
Westview High, 15800 Summit Plz., Bennington
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 7:15-8:15 p.m.
Northwest High, 8204 Crown Point Ave.
*Virtual forum live feeds will begin just before the scheduled start time.
Your answers will guide our Board of Education’s work through the recruitment, application and selection process. If you have ideas, feedback, questions or concerns, you can always contact Board of Education members. Open communication is important to us.
Thank you for supporting Omaha Public Schools.
-
June 6, 2023: Superintendent Search Timeline and Survey Updates
Amendment to the Superintendent Search Timeline
On June 5, 2023, the Board approved an updated superintendent search timeline.
The updated timeline reflects two changes. The first change reflects that Board member interviews occurred May 9-19. In addition, the amount of time for stakeholder engagement increased. It will now happen between Sept. 25 and Oct. 7.
The application will open in Oct. 2023. The Board of Education is scheduled to select our next superintendent by Feb. 2024.
Accountability Committee Update
On June 5, 2023, staff from GR Recruiting, our superintendent search firm, provided an update on the recent superintendent search survey results. A total of 2,068 individuals responded to the survey. The largest response groups were staff and parents of current students.
The top three strengths of our district identified by respondents were:
- Diversity and inclusivity
- Caring and dedicated teachers and staff, as well as an involved community
- Opportunities available for all students, as well as strong curriculum and academics
The top issues identified that a new superintendent should focus on are staff recruitment and retention and academic outcomes.
When asked about the top traits of great leaders, respondents chose these as the top three needed in our next superintendent:
- Is an effective communicator, creating strong school and community relations
- Is accountable and responsible for actions
- Is a trusted leader who values ethics and integrity, by practicing moral authority
An additional survey will be available for our community in the fall.
-
May 12, 2023: Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Search Survey
We value open communication with the students, staff and families we serve. Your input is an essential part of our superintendent search.
The search timeline and our work so far is explained on the Omaha Public Schools website. We always welcome your feedback, and there are key points during the search to participate in surveys and community meetings.
Our first survey window was May 12-26, 2023. Questions asked about our school district’s strengths, opportunities and the key qualifications of an ideal future superintendent.
We received responses from speakers of each of our top five languages: English, Spanish, Somali, Nepalese and Burmese.
We plan to reopen the survey in September. Based on the Board-approved search timeline, community meetings to gather feedback will be in October. We will share more information about those meetings in the fall.
The latest superintendent search information will always be sent directly to Omaha Public Schools staff and families and posted to www.ops.org/superintendentsearch.
Omaha Public Schools is a local and national leader. That will continue with your support.
-
May 1, 2023: Approval of Proposed Timeline for Superintendent Search
The Board of Education approved a timeline for the superintendent search. Development of the timeline was the work of the accountability committee and GR Recruiting, our superintendent search firm.
The timeline and application period will allow the committee and search firm to solicit stakeholder feedback, gather community input, identify key qualifications, and recruit and maximize the number of qualified candidates who submit applications. The accountability committee will regularly review the timeline and may update it throughout the process.
The process will begin with a stakeholder survey that will happen this spring. An additional community survey will be open again in the fall. The application will open in Oct. 2023. The Board of Education is scheduled to select our next superintendent by Feb. 2024.
Superintendent Search 2023-24 Timeline
May 12 - 26, 2023Spring survey window for students, staff, families and community about district strengths, opportunities and the key qualifications and experiences of the ideal future superintendent.
Summer 2023
Search firm review of survey feedback and Board of Education Accountability Committee update on early survey feedback. Monthly Accountability Committee meetings.
Sept. 11 - 15, 2023
Search firm staff interview Board of Education members individually about priorities for a future superintendent.
Sept. 18 - Oct. 9, 2023
Fall survey window for students, staff, families and community about district strengths, opportunities and the key qualifications and experiences of the ideal future superintendent.
Oct. 3 - 5, 2023
Stakeholder meetings to provide input on the key qualifications and experiences of the ideal future superintendent.
Oct. 16, 2023
Board of Education finalizes the profile of an Omaha Public Schools superintendent based stakeholder input, district mission, vision and values.
Oct. 17, 2023
Application window opens. Search firm continues recruiting candidates. Omaha Public Schools begins accepting materials from candidates aligned with the profile of an Omaha Public Schools superintendent finalized on Oct. 16, based on stakeholder input.
Jan. 16, 2024
Application window closes.
Jan. 17-31, 2024
Search firm vetting of candidates and recommendation of Semi-Finalists.
Feb. 1-5, 2024
Board of Education review of Semi-Finalists.
Feb. 5, 2024
Search firm recommendation and Board of Education selection of Finalists.
Feb. 12-16, 2024
Public interview of Finalists.
Feb. 12-16, 2024
Following completion of public interview of candidates, Board of Education selection of Superintendent.
Additional Notes:
- The OPS Board of Education anticipates selecting a superintendent for the 2024-25 school year, with Mr. Ray leading as interim superintendent through the 2023-24 school year.
- This timeline was developed in consultation with search firm GR Recruiting to ensure maximum community input and the best field of candidates for Board consideration.
- The purpose of providing the above timeline is to be transparent about the process we propose to undertake. The timeline will be regularly reviewed by the Accountability Committee in consultation with search firm GR Recruiting. The timeline is fluid and may change throughout the process as other circumstances dictate.
Leadership Transition and Search Firm Selection
-
March 20, 2023: Board Approves Superintendent Search Firm
At its March 20, 2023 meeting, the Board approved a contract with GR Recruiting to assist with the superintendent search.
Our district received six submissions from search firms nationwide. After reviewing the proposals, the Accountability Committee interviewed three firms and recommended GR Recruiting.
GR Recruiting has more than 40 years of experience with superintendent searches. GR Recruiting will organize and manage feedback meetings with families and community members as a part of the superintendent search process.
Board of Education Vice President and Accountability Committee chair Ricky Smith highlighted Omaha Public Schools' commitment to engaging with students, staff, families and community members through the process.
Board President Spencer Head echoed Smith's remarks, adding, "We want feedback from our entire community to make the most informed decision. This will be a thorough search for such an important role."
Once finalized, the dates and times of community engagement opportunities will be emailed directly to staff and families and posted here to ops.org/superintendentsearch.
-
March 6, 2023: Board Approves Interim Superintendent Contract
Interim Superintendent Agreement
We are happy to share that tonight, our Board of Education approved an agreement with Mr. Matthew Ray to serve as interim superintendent of Omaha Public Schools. Mr. Ray will begin in the role on July 1. Also tonight, our Board approved a separate agreement with Mr. Ray for his expanded role and work through the transition. That agreement lasts from April 1 through June 30. Details were posted to our meeting agenda, published on ops.org/superintendentsearch and shared with local news media. We look forward to working with Mr. Ray, delivering on our Strategic Plan of Action.On Feb. 22, we communicated with all staff and families that our work is too important to pause for a transition. Omaha Public Schools is Nebraska’s largest school district and one of the largest employers in our state. We owe it our 52,000 students, 9,000 full and part-time staff and the greater Omaha community to lead a comprehensive superintendent search and get it right.
Selecting a Search Firm
At the next Board of Education meeting on March 20, we plan to select a firm to facilitate the comprehensive superintendent search. Six firms submitted proposals and our Accountability Committee has reviewed them and conducted interviews of the top firms. Staff from the selected firm will work with our Board to decide on the search timeline and community engagement opportunities.Open Communication with our Staff, Families and Community
It is Omaha Public Schools priority to keep you informed through the search process. We value the voices of our students, staff and families. As we plan the search timeline, look for regular updates and opportunities to engage. The latest news and information will always be posted to ops.org/superintendentsearch. Omaha Public Schools will also share updates in direct emails, Inside OPS, staff newsletters, social media and news media. -
March 3, 2023: Board to Vote on Contract for Interim Superintendent
At its March 6, 2023, meeting the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education will vote on a contract with Mr. Matthew Ray to serve as interim superintendent. Pending approval, the contract and Mr. Ray’s service as interim superintendent will begin July 1, 2023.
Mr. Ray currently serves as deputy superintendent of Omaha Public Schools. At its Feb. 22 meeting, the Board of Education announced plans to select Mr. Ray as interim superintendent through the school district’s comprehensive superintendent search.
A separate agreement covering Mr. Ray’s expanded transition responsibilities between April 1 and June 30, 2023, is also up for consideration on the March 6 meeting agenda.
The complete proposed contract is available here. It includes a $325,000 salary, with transportation, annuity and district benefits similar to past superintendent contracts in Omaha Public Schools.
“We are very happy to work with Mr. Ray in this new role,” said Board of Education President Spencer Head at the Feb. 22 meeting. “He has devoted his entire career to the students, staff and families of Omaha Public Schools. Mr. Ray is uniquely qualified to lead through this time, following the roadmap in our Strategic Plan of Action.”
“Omaha Public Schools offers unmatched opportunities for students. I’ve seen it as a career-long staff member and parent of three district graduates,” said Mr. Ray. “I’m honored and humbled to carry forward our daily service and Strategic Plan of Action. We know the work ahead of us and we’re ready.”
Mr. Ray began teaching at Ashland Park-Robbins Elementary. From there, he served in Student Community Services and oversaw the districtwide implementation of a new student information system. Currently, Mr. Ray leads Omaha Public Schools as deputy superintendent and the Board of Education secretary. Mr. Ray recently served as the interim chief officer for the district’s Curriculum and School Improvement divisions. Mr. Ray’s three children all graduated from Omaha Public Schools.
Superintendent Search Firm
At the March 20, 2023, Board of Education meeting, members anticipate selecting a firm to support Omaha Public Schools comprehensive superintendent search. Six firms submitted proposals, which are currently being reviewed by the Board of Education Accountability Committee.
Open Communication with our Community
It is Omaha Public Schools priority to keep community members informed through the search process. The Board of Education and district staff value the voices of students, staff and families. As the Board of Education and its selected search firm plan the search timeline, community members will receive regular updates and information about opportunities to engage. The latest news and information will always be posted to ops.org/superintendentsearch.
-
Feb. 22, 2023: Board of Education Selects Deputy Superintendent Mr. Matthew Ray as Interim Superintendent, Pending Contract Negotiations and Approval
At its Wednesday, Feb. 22 meeting, the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education announced plans to select Deputy Superintendent Mr. Matthew Ray as interim superintendent. The official appointment is pending negotiations and Board approval of a contract with Mr. Ray, anticipated in March 2023.
In December 2022, Superintendent Cheryl Logan, Ed.D., announced that the 2022-23 school year would be her last in Omaha. In her letter to staff and families, Dr. Logan committed to a strong finish through June 2023.
“We are grateful for Dr. Logan’s service and her support for a strong transition,” said Board of Education President Spencer Head. “We are very happy to work with Mr. Ray in this new role. He has devoted his entire career to the students, staff and families of Omaha Public Schools. Mr. Ray is uniquely qualified to lead through this time, following the roadmap in our Strategic Plan of Action.”
In a letter to staff and families, President Head and Vice President Ricky Smith outlined Board considerations for interim leadership during a comprehensive superintendent search. Omaha Public Schools is Nebraska’s largest school district and one of the largest employers in our state. “We owe it our 52,000 students, 9,000 full and part-time staff and the greater Omaha community to lead a comprehensive superintendent search and get it right,” they wrote. Members determined that work cannot be paused for a transition during such a critical time for Omaha Public Schools. It is essential to keep moving forward for the success of our students and staff.
“Omaha Public Schools offers unmatched opportunities for students. I’ve seen it as a career-long staff member and parent of three district graduates,” said Mr. Ray. “I’m honored and humbled to carry forward our daily service and Strategic Plan of Action. We know the work ahead of us and we’re ready.”
Mr. Ray began teaching at Ashland Park-Robbins Elementary. From there, he served in Student Community Services and oversaw districtwide implementation of a new student information system. Today, Mr. Ray leads our district as Deputy Superintendent and the Board of Education Secretary. Recently, Mr. Ray served as the interim chief officer for district Curriculum and School Improvement divisions. Both drive key strategic goals for students and staff.
Also at the meeting, the Board of Education Accountability Committee announced that six superintendent search firms submitted proposals to assist Omaha Public Schools in its comprehensive search for a permanent superintendent. Accountability Committee members are currently reviewing proposals and plan to select one firm in March 2023. Details of the search timeline and community engagement will be developed with the search firm. The Board of Education plans to allow all qualified individuals to apply for the permanent superintendent position. Because of that, the Interim Superintendent will not be part of the working group that manages the superintendent search.
It is Omaha Public Schools’ priority to keep community members informed through the search process. We value the voices of our students, staff and families. As our Board of Education and its search firm partners plan the search timeline, look for regular updates and opportunities to engage. The latest news and information will always be posted to ops.org/superintendentsearch. Omaha Public Schools will also share updates in direct emails, Inside OPS, staff newsletters, social media and news media.
-
Jan. 5, 2023: Beginning the Search
Board action at the Jan. 5, 2023, Board of Education meeting took the first step in a comprehensive search process.
Agenda item I.19 requests qualifications from firms interested in supporting Omaha Public Schools' superintendent search.
Proposals from interested firms will be due in February 2023. After careful review, the Board of Education anticipates selecting a search firm in March 2023.
From there, the Board of Education will finalize the search process structure and timeline.
Past Board President Shavonna Holman, Ed.D. discussed the work ahead. Watch her comments below.
-
Dec. 2022: Superintendent Cheryl Logan, Ed.D.'s Message to Staff and Families
Dear Omaha Public Schools Community,
It has been a joy to serve as your Superintendent. The leadership Omaha Public Schools has exemplified at the state and national level amongst large, urban school districts is something we should all be proud of. We have a caring, committed staff and we serve the best students.
With deep gratitude for the time we’ve spent together, I notified our Board of Education that this will be my final school year with our school district. I will step away from my position at the end of June 2023. I am forever grateful for, and honored by, the friendships and partnerships we’ve built together. Alas, it is time for me to return home to my family. It is time for me to have tea with my sisters on Saturdays, to watch my nephew play soccer and to spend quality time with my husband and daughter, located close to my native home and both of our families.
From the time the Board of Education offered me this opportunity in 2018, we have accomplished much through our Strategic Plan of Action. We’ve elevated learning through hard work, new materials and expanded programs. With the support of the voters, we’ve built five new schools on time and on budget and renovated several more. We have positioned the long-term financial health of our school district to ensure we can deliver a quality education for all children. We’ve navigated three school years amid global pandemic disruptions.
It takes everyone – staff, families and our community – to make our system “go.” We have important work ahead in the second semester of our 2022-23 school year. Even through challenging times, our service to students, families, community and our investment in the future generation remains at the center of our work.
Thank you for supporting me along the journey of meeting the challenges and opportunities that have come our way. We worked diligently to support our 52,000 students. I look forward to a strong finish.
Cordially yours,
Cheryl J. Logan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Omaha Public Schools -
Dec. 2022: 2022 Board of Education President Shavonna Holman, Ed.D.'s message to Staff and Families
Dear Omaha Public Schools Community,
Today, Superintendent Cheryl Logan, Ed.D., shared with our community that this will be her final school year in our district. We are extremely thankful to have worked with Dr. Logan. Her expertise, energy and heartfelt care for our children is exceptional. The joy she finds in preparing young people for success in college, career and life is unmistakable.
In our time together, we have accomplished a great deal for students and staff. Omaha Public Schools:
- launched a future-focused Strategic Plan of Action
- adopted organizational values to guide our service to the Omaha community
- navigated the pandemic with health and safety at the forefront
- deployed 1-to-1 technology for all 52,000 students
- implemented a new elementary reading and literacy curriculum
- designed a district turnaround model of supports for selected schools to maximize student growth and achievement
- evolved how we provide high-quality high school programming, expanding access and elevating expectations for students
- built immediate and long-term staffing supports and pipelines
- invested in the immediate and long-term strength of the Omaha School Employees Retirement System (OSERS), including the Legislature’s approval of a bill to transfer OSERS management to the Nebraska Public Employee Retirement Board (PERB) in 2024
- constructed five new schools through our bond program, delivering each building to our community on schedule and on budget
- developed plans to maximize our one-time ESSER funds through the coming years
There is important work ahead. Our Strategic Plan of Action focuses on academics, staff, financial accountability and our ethic of care. Omaha Public Schools’ mission, vision and values guide how we achieve those strategic priorities. We have extraordinary staff throughout our district, and the best students and families. Our district is well-positioned to continue its leadership on a local and national level.Our Board of Education will prepare for a comprehensive search for a new Superintendent. We are committed to keeping you informed. Omaha Public Schools will provide regular updates by email and on our website. Look for more communication and opportunities to engage through the months to come.
Thank you for your support,
Shavonna Holman, Ed.D.
Board of Education President