OMAHA - Four Omaha Public Schools staff members stood before the school board and said they are worried about the safety of their students.

Already facing what one teacher described as an “epic” staff shortage, the staff members said student behavior problems have increased, leaving teachers to break up fights and deal with bullying and other student behaviors that should be handled by a counselor or a social worker.

"When teachers say, ‘I don’t feel safe at work, nor do I feel those children are safe,’ I take that very seriously,” science teacher Michelle Settlemyer told the school board. “As should you.”

Only four staff members spoke at the meeting last month but their co-workers sat behind them and wore red in solidarity, seemingly demonstrating that they spoke for everybody.

Their words are in line with what the Nebraska State Education Association found in a recently released survey of its members: Student behavior problems are on the rise across the state. Teacher stress is up. And staffing shortages are compounding the problem.

Staff absences and unfilled positions cause an unpredictable rotation of instructors who are having to teach subjects they are not certified to teach. Class sizes have also increased due to staff shortages. This has led to large numbers of students being put into a room, or even the cafeteria, with one or two adults.

It is not difficult to see how staff shortages can negatively impact the students they are trying to serve.

The World-Herald was granted an interview with Chief Talent Officer Cecil Hicks, Student and Community Services Chief Officer Lisa Utterback, and Chief Strategy Officer Fateama Fulmore.

Fulmore said that despite seeing teachers have a difficult time, she does not see them as ready to quit; they are looking for resources and support.

“What you saw at the board meeting that night is what we do as educators,” Fulmore said. “We advocate for our children. We advocate for what we need to be best for our children.”

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