Meet Shavonna

OPS has been part of my story for nearly my entire life.

I grew up in North Omaha near 36th and Ames and attended Central Park and Benson West Elementary Schools, Nathan Hale Junior High, and Northwest High School. I later returned to OPS as an educator, and today I’m an OPS parent. My connection to this district isn’t just professional—it’s personal.

Serving on the school board wasn’t something I originally planned. When a vacancy opened in my subdistrict, a board member encouraged me to consider applying. Then others in the community did the same. As a new mom who had experienced OPS both as a student and an employee, I saw an opportunity to give back to the district that had given so much to me. I applied alongside seven other women and was selected to serve.

Today, I’m a professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where I coordinate the P–12 School Leadership Program. I teach, mentor, and prepare future principals, district administrators, and superintendents. That work gives me the opportunity to help shape the next generation of educational leaders while bringing that perspective to my service on the OPS Board.

When I’m not working or serving our schools, you’ll often find me spending time with my daughter, serving our community alongside her and my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, or traveling with my family in search of the newest and scariest roller coaster we can find.

OPS helped shape who I am. Now, as an educator, a mom, and a Board member, I’m committed to helping make sure every OPS student has the same opportunity to learn, grow, and build a future they are proud of.