OpenSky's School Data

Dr. Linda Vermooten Sees the Problems

At times, the OpenSky Policy Institute can gather and process interesting data. Their latest is Nebraska school district profiles at: https://www.openskypolicy.org/schooldistrictprofiles . You can get some details by clicking about on the map, and the search function will allow you to narrow down to the county level.

Here are two examples. Notice the contrast on race, poverty, and English learners. Omaha Public Schools district appears to be impacted by heavy immigration into the district particularly if you notice the English proficiency scores. Also, notice the Unused Property Tax Authority differences. Westside school board kept their schools ahead by having foresight in their planning and used discretion in using their taxing authority.

This is why Dr. Linda Vermooten, who is running for the Nebraska State Board of Education, matters. Her experience and advocacy are key. She sees such discrepancies and the importance of literacy (https://www.lindafornebraska.com/post/scholastic-acheivement). She also has experience in teaching English as a Second Language, a specialty of importance to the Omaha Public School District as shown above. She has set great priorities for education (https://www.lindafornebraska.com/issues). Oh, and to poke the DEI bear, she is an African-American.

And to top it off, she now has an ad!