OPS Student Assignment Plan in place

As part of the back-to-school preps for Omaha Public Schools, the district is trying to make sure parents and students are ready for a new busing plan. It's been years in the making.

Frederick Clemmons brought his grandson Amiri to the OPS enrollment fair Tuesday. He wanted to ensure the 7th grader was able to get to Norris Middle School safely.

“My biggest concern was the school bus issue,” Clemmons said.

Last Year, WOWT 6 News reported on the constant headaches families received involving transportation. This year, OPS has adopted a new Student Assignment Plan for elementary and middle school students.

“I think they'll notice that our buses are full and that they're running on time,” said OPS Supervisor of Placement Anne MacFarland.

There are eight zones for elementary schools and four for middle schools. OPS students are only guaranteed a spot in their neighborhood school. If an elementary student is more than a mile away from that school, transportation will be given.

“We have increased our neighborhood transportation eligibility, so more families getting a ride to their neighborhood school,” MacFarland explained.

Transportation will also be given to students who—live more than a mile away from their neighborhood school—and who want to apply to others within their zone. However, no transportation will be given to those students wanting to go to school outside of their zone.

The district hopes the new partner plan is easy for families to understand. It’s a plan the district spent two years working on.

“Really listening and being responsive to our community with what they need with transportation to school,” MacFarland said.

The plan has given some families peace of mind.

“We'll find out on the first day if it will go smooth, which I think it will,” said Frederick Clemmons.

The district is encouraging parents to watch a short video on the new changes. You can watch the videos

OPS is anticipating an increase in enrollment this year.