Each and every role at Omaha Public Schools makes a difference for our students as we prepare them for success in college, career and life. Our staff's dedication and ethic of care make us #OPSProud!
Outstanding Leadership
Walk through the halls of Westview High, and just about anyone will smile when you mention Principal Thomas Lee. Whether he’s cheering at a game, encouraging staff or uplifting students, one thing is clear: he’s always rooting for others to succeed.
"It's important that the kids see that I'm out there, supporting them, rooting them on and wanting them to do well."
Outstanding Leadership
Every morning, Morton Middle Principal Matt Williams is at the door greeting students. With nearly 30 years in our district, he didn't plan to become a principal, but each opportunity led him to a role he now loves.
“My advice is be involved. Find a way to get to know the kids in the classroom and outside of the classroom. Make the effort to go all-in wherever you’re at.”
Staff Spotlight
Katie Kuhl Secondary School Support Liaison Buena Vista High
"It's important for students to establish a good attendance pattern early in their education. My goal is to make meaningful connections with them to help them understand the importance of being at school and enjoy being here."
Staff Spotlight
Kelli Long Assistant Principal Gateway Elementary
“Each morning, [a particular student] greets me with a big smile. It makes me feel good to know that I’m helping him, but in turn, he’s helping me, too. He gives me that feeling that what I’m doing here is making a difference. I want him to be successful, and that starts with him being here.”
Staff Spotlight
Mary Rasmussen Strings Teacher Miller Park Elementary, Mount View Elementary, Ponca Elementary and Sherman Elementary
“When students take their instruments home to practice, they can escape into the sounds they’ve learned to create. Music is an outlet for creativity and can bring calmness and joy.”
Outstanding Leadership
Meet Principal Cheryl Prine of Pawnee Elementary. She is a lifelong Omaha resident, Bryan High alum and proud Omaha Public Schools leader. With 24 years in our district, Principal Prine begins each day with a friendly "hello" to students and staff.
"Finding more ways to shine a light on the great things happening in our education system. It’s not just here at Pawnee, there’s great things happening all over our district.”
Staff Spotlight
Hannah Paredes Dual Language and World Languages Teaching and Learning Consultant
“Language builds relationships. That’s what’s shaped my life, and that’s what I hope it does for our students.”
Award-Winning Staff
Dual Language and World Language Teaching and Learning Consultant Hannah Paredes received the 2025 Spanish Federation of Schools of Spanish as a Foreign Language Award.
Staff Spotlight
Josue Pleitez Castellanos Secretary Welcome Center
“Knowing that I contribute to students’ educational journeys truly gratifies me, and I also feel very grateful to work directly with many parents who arrive as refugees. This drives me to go the extra mile to support and help them succeed.”