Photo: Omaha Public Schools
(Omaha, NE) -- The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education makes a selection for who will serve as Interim Superintendent after the departure of Dr. Cheryl Logan.
At its Wednesday meeting, the OPS Board announced plans to select Deputy Superintendent Mr. Matthew Ray as interim superintendent through the school district’s comprehensive superintendent search. The official appointment is pending negotiations and Board approval of a contract with Ray, which is anticipated in March 2023.
In December 2022, Superintendent Cheryl Logan, Ed.D., announced that the 2022-23 school year would be her last in Omaha. In her letter to staff and families, Dr. Logan committed to a strong finish through June 2023. “We are grateful for Dr. Logan’s service and her support for a strong transition,” said Board of Education President Spencer Head. “We are very happy to work with Mr. Ray in this new role. He has devoted his entire career to the students, staff and families of Omaha Public Schools. Mr. Ray is uniquely qualified to lead through this time, following the roadmap in our Strategic Plan of Action.”
“Omaha Public Schools offers unmatched opportunities for students. I’ve seen it as a career-long staff member and parent of three district graduates,” said Ray. “I’m honored and humbled to carry forward our daily service and Strategic Plan of Action. We know the work ahead of us and we’re ready.”
Ray began teaching at Ashland Park-Robbins Elementary. From there, he served in Student Community Services and oversaw district-wide implementation of a new student information system. Currently, Ray leads Omaha Public Schools as Deputy Superintendent and the Board of Education Secretary. Recently, Ray served as the interim chief officer for both the district’s Curriculum and School Improvement divisions. Ray’s three children all graduated from Omaha Public Schools.
Also announced Wednesday, the Board of Education received proposals from six firms to assist with the comprehensive search for a permanent superintendent. Board members plan to select a search firm in March 2023. The Interim Superintendent will not be part of the working group that manages the superintendent search.
As the Board of Education and its selected search firm plan the search timeline, community members will receive regular updates and information about opportunities to engage. The latest news and information will always be posted here.