Education

A new study finds that while public speaking might be the most common fear, it isn’t number one.

UNO Public Speaking Fundamentals program director Karen Kangas Dwyer and Speech Center Coordinator Marlina Davidson did the study. It revisited a 1973 study that found more people feared public speaking than death.

The Omaha Public Library is offering two workshops to help teens build confidence and learn life skills.

The library is offering the two sessions in collaboration with LifeBound.  Gary Wasdin, Executive Director for the Omaha Public Library, says this is the first time the library is offering programs like this.  He says "Success in Middle School” addresses the transition that 6th and 7th graders undergo. 

The Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors recently approved a Master Plan that calls for the expansion of the Elkhorn Campus.

Board Member Tim Potter says the plan provides for the construction of new buildings to accommodate the fast growing campus.  He says right now, a building on Metro’s Elkhorn Campus is at 105% of capacity.  Potter says the only potential obstacle to the expansion right now is a dispute Metro has with the City of Omaha.

The Omaha Public Schools board will use a consulting firm from the Chicago area to assist with its second search for a new superintendent.

OPS board members voted Monday night to hire Proact Search of Wilmette, Illinois.  The school district is once again searching for a new superintendent following the resignation in early June of Nancy Sebring. She was to begin her new job as OPS superintendent July first, but resigned following reports that she used her Des Moines Public Schools email account to send sexually explicit messages.

The Omaha Public Schools board is set to vote in September on a new $481.2 million budget.

This year, the budget materials are online, along with committee presentations and a public comment section. OPS’ new fiscal year budget projects a six-percent increase in state aid, but no change in property valuations.