Article 8

INTERNAL BOARD POLICIES

Policy No. 8120

Internal Board Policies - Organization

Duties and Functions of the Board of Education
A.

The Board of Education shall exercise control over the Omaha Public Schools,
Educational Service Unit No. 19, and the Omaha Public Schools Retirement
Board of Trustees in accordance with the statutes of the State of Nebraska.

B.

The Board of Education shall select an administrator for Educational Service Unit
No. 19 and the Omaha Public Schools Retirement Board of Trustees. The Board
of Education shall select an administrator for the ESU, appoint OSER trustees,
appoint the OSERS administrator, and contract for the actuary for OSERS.

C.

The Board of Education shall have the power and duty to initiate questions of
policy and pass upon the recommendations of the Superintendent in matters of
policy, appointment or dismissal of employees, salary schedules or other
personnel regulations, courses of study, selection of textbooks, and other matters
pertaining to the welfare of the schools. The Board of Education may enter into
contracts under such terms and conditions as the board deems appropriate, for
periods of not to exceed four years, for the provision of utility services, refuse
disposal, transportation services, maintenance services, financial services,
insurance, security services, and instructional materials, supplies, and equipment
and for collective-bargaining agreements with employee groups.

D.

The Board of Education shall require reports from its administration concerning
conditions of efficiency and needs of the schools. The board shall take steps to
appraise the effectiveness with which the schools are achieving the educational
purposes of the school system as may be determined by the Board of Education.

E.

The Board of Education shall adopt a budget in accordance with the statutes of
Nebraska. Prior to the adoption of the budget, a public hearing shall be held with
notice of the meeting published in advance. All money belonging to the Omaha
Public Schools, in the hands of the county treasurer, shall be accounted for and
disbursed directly to the Board of Education in accordance with statutory
requirements.

F.

In order to exercise its right and duties, the Board of Education shall prepare and
publish a body of policies and regulations covering organization, policies, and
procedures of the school system. The Board of Education shall cause such
policies and regulations to be revised as necessary and shall republish such
policies as often as necessary.

G.

The Board of Education, and each Board Member, serves as an Ambassador of

the Omaha Public Schools. As such, the Board of Education and each Member of
the Board is to function as a representative of the Omaha Public Schools to the

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Article 8

INTERNAL BOARD POLICIES

Policy No. 8120

general public. The Board of Education, and each Board Member, serves as an
advocate for the Omaha Public Schools within the district, and at the State,
Regional and National Levels. Each Board Member is expected to be a vigorous,
knowledgeable and articulate advocate of the Omaha Public Schools and its
programs, as approved by the Board of Education, so that the best interests of the
Omaha Public Schools can be made fully and clearly known.

Legal Reference:

Neb. Rev. Stat. 13-517, 79-522 and 79-984

Date of Adoption:

August 4, 2014

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