The State Board of Education’s decision to reject a proposed plan for Omaha-area schools has drawn significant attention and debate. This decision, resulting from a 4-4 vote on Tuesday, followed two months of postponed deliberation.
The community achievement plan, which involves a collaboration between the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties and 11 local school districts, was at the center of the discussion. Key districts involved include Omaha, Ralston, Millard, and Papillion La Vista. These districts’ superintendents, alongside Gerald Kuhn, CEO of the learning community, advocated for the plan.
The plan’s rejection impacts approximately $10 million in state aid intended for the participating school districts. Opposition stemmed from the board’s four registered Republicans—Kirk Penner, Sherry Jones, Lisa Schonhoff, and Elizabeth Tegtmeier—primarily due to concerns about OneWorld Community Health Centers, a partner in the plan that provides transgender health care outside its educational contributions.
To address these concerns, the learning community amended the plan with a clarification: “No learning community resources — including state funding or levy funds — may be used to provide, support, subsidize, or reimburse gender-affirming medical care, reproductive health care services, prescription medications, or any clinical medical procedures.” Despite this, board member Sherry Jones remained unswayed, citing ongoing concerns about OneWorld’s influence.
Kuhn explained the partnership with OneWorld was strategic, leveraging its established community presence to enhance educational programs such as financial literacy and parenting classes. “They were a leader in the community. They had a lot of credibility with the community in South Omaha,” he noted.
Superintendent Andrew Rikli of Papillion La Vista highlighted the core issue as trust in educational professionals, stating, “We don’t indoctrinate kids.” He emphasized educational goals such as respect and timely homework completion.
Elizabeth Tegtmeier, another dissenting board member, questioned the plan’s effectiveness, pointing to stagnant student achievement metrics in English language arts and math within Omaha Public Schools. Tegtmeier requested a timeline for measurable improvements from OPS Superintendent Matthew Ray, who responded that student progress does not follow a strict timeline.
Ray emphasized ongoing efforts to reallocate resources for better support in reading instruction. He, along with other superintendents, praised aspects of the plan, including the School as Hub program, which fosters early family engagement.
Ray also noted the critical financial support from the plan, with OPS receiving $8 million in state aid amidst a $50.6 million shortfall due to a discovered overpayment.
The board’s four registered Democrats supported the plan, with Maggie Douglas advocating its alignment with statewide literacy goals. “To achieve those goals, students must have equitable access before they enter formal schooling and families must be engaged as partners, exactly what the (community achievement plan) is designed to support,” Douglas stated.
Board member Liz Renner cautioned against overstepping the board’s statutory responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of adhering to state statute requirements for plan approval.
Following the rejection, the board is required to provide reasons and allow for plan revisions. The next State Board of Education meeting is scheduled for March 6.
