From student teacher to superintendent, Matthew Ray’s career in education has been dedicated to supporting Omaha Public Schools students and staff. 

Ray began with our district at Ashland Park-Robbins Elementary as a student teacher before serving as a district-wide substitute. He returned to Ashland Park-Robbins Elementary as a fifth grade teacher, then moved into Student and Community Services roles. In 2010, he became executive director of the department.  

He served as board secretary from 2013 to 2018, when he became chief of staff, a position that later transitioned to deputy superintendent. He was named interim superintendent for the 2023-24 school year and became superintendent in July 2024.  

In the 2024-25 school year, Ray shared our district’s Moonshot with staff and our community: All Omaha Public Schools students reading on grade level by 2030.  

"Literacy connects everything. It's the throughline to everything we do," he said. "Everyone in the organization will be and is working towards this goal."

As Ray leads the work, he is committed to engaging with staff, students, families and our community.  

Ray holds bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and elementary education from the University of Nebraska Omaha. He earned a Master of Science in educational administration from UNO in 2000 and his Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2020.  

Ray and his wife are the parents of three Omaha Public Schools graduates. 

"Omaha Public Schools offers unmatched opportunities for students. I’ve seen it as a career-long staff member and parent,” said Ray. “I am incredibly excited by what we are accomplishing together."