Omaha, Nebraska – Schools grapple with the challenge of teacher staffing shortages. Specifically, Omaha’s OPS has recently made the decision to eliminate special education services at three elementary institutions: Martin Luther King Elementary, Walnut Hill Elementary, and Central Park Elementary.
This decision posed a dilemma for Alicia Garcia, whose daughter Rylee was a student at King Elementary. Presented with two options — either transferring her nine-year-old or continuing her education at King Elementary without special education support — Garcia chose the former. Given Rylee’s individual education plan and her ADHD and ODD diagnoses, a transfer seemed the most prudent option. Garcia noted, “She is very high functioning. She requires consistent individual attention primarily because the larger class setting and workload can be overwhelming for her.”
Garcia’s situation is not unique. Approximately 140 families will face a similar decision regarding their children’s education. OPS Chief Academic Officer, Susan Christopherson, commented, “We acknowledge the situation is far from ideal. We’ve been actively trying to retain staff at these schools. We understand the potential difficulties and reluctances families might face when considering a school transfer.”
Families were informed of these developments through an email sent out on Monday. A more detailed conversation occurred on Tuesday, when they received personal phone calls to discuss available options. The immediacy of the new school year has heightened anxieties. Garcia expressed concerns, saying, “I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. The uncertainty regarding school hours and necessary supplies is challenging, especially with the school year beginning in a week.”
As a result of this transition, both Rylee and her sibling will now attend Chandlier View Elementary in Bellevue. This necessitates a change for Garcia from a convenient two-minute walk to a 15-minute commute to the school. Notably, the Garcia family has only resided in Omaha for approximately a year. On the topic of switching schools, Garcia shared, “I had hoped for continuity with the same teachers this year. However, with the move, it feels like we’re starting from scratch.”
Despite the imminent school year commencement, Garcia has yet to inform her daughters about the impending change. Although she anticipates their disappointment, she believes it is a necessary move to ensure Rylee receives appropriate educational support.
In response to the developments, OPS has already held meetings with staff from the affected schools. They are preparing to integrate and support the new students as the academic year begins.
