Meet Our Leadership Team
Mr. Brian Begley
Principal
Phone: 531-299-3080
Email: Brian.Begley@ops.org
Mr. Brian Begley is the first principal of Bluestem Middle School. Mr. Begley worked for the Millard Public Schools for 30 years before moving over to the Omaha Public Schools. He served as an English teacher at Millard North High School, Assistant Principal (Data/Registrar) at Kiewit Middle School, Principal at Russell Middle School, and Principal at Millard North High School for 15 years before taking over at Bluestem in August 2022. He feels honored and privileged to open the new OPS middle school.
Ms. Mariana Cruz
Assistant Principal/ Data Processor
Phone: 1-531-299-8853
Email: mariana.cruz@ops.org
Mrs. Mariana Cruz is the Assistant Principal for Data at Bluestem Middle School. Mrs. Cruz has had experience serving, teaching, and leading as a PK-16 educator. Most recently, Mrs. Cruz served as the Assistant Principal at Forest Station Elementary and Gomez Elementary. Prior to becoming an Assistant principal, Mrs. Cruz served as the Dean of Students at Central High School and was an Adjunct Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Mrs. Cruz began her teaching career at South High School and Marrs Middle School in the Dual Language program. Mrs. Cruz proudly lives and serves in the community she currently serves, South Omaha. She is excited about all of the upcoming opportunities and growth for our Bluestem students, families, and staff!
Mr. Dan Wilson
Athletic/Activities Director
Phone: 531-299-8739
Email: daniel.wilson@ops.org
Mr. Dan Wilson is the Athletic/Activities Director at Bluestem Middle School. He taught 7th Grade Social Studies at King Science and Technology Magnet and English at Central High School. After three years as the Dean of Students at Central High School, he returned to King Science and Technology Magnet as the Athletic/Activities director for four years. He is excited to serve the students of South Omaha and is looking forward to building a tradition of excellence at Bluestem!
Mrs. Ashley Bunce
Dean of Students
Phone: (531) 299-8175
Email: ashley.bunce@ops.org
Mrs. Ashley Bunce is the Dean of Students at Bluestem Middle School. Mrs. Bunce graduated from Wayne State College with her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and her master’s in Educational Leadership from Midland University. Prior to coming to Bluestem, Mrs. Bunce taught at Indian Hill Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, and, most recently, Lewis and Clark Middle School. Mrs. Bunce began her OPS career teaching in South Omaha and cannot wait to continue to serve the community through collaboration and positive experiences with students and families.
Mr. Mark Smith
Dean of Students
Phone: (531) 299-9259
Email: mark.smith@ops.org
Mark Smith serves as a Dean of Students at Bluestem Middle School. He spent the first 13 years of his career as a science teacher and Dean of Students at Central High School. He has also served in leadership roles with Fremont Public Schools, Quest Forward High School, and Raymond Central Public Schools. He is excited to return to the Omaha Public Schools and work with the students, families, and staff of Bluestem Middle School
Mrs. Audry Martin
Instructional Facilitator
Phone: 531-299-3080
Email: audry.martin@ops.org
Mrs. Audry Martin is the Instructional Facilitator at Bluestem Middle School. She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from Mount Marty University and later completed her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Northwest Missouri State University. Mrs. Martin began her career in Omaha Public Schools as a sixth-grade teacher at Gateway Elementary School before joining Bluestem Middle School as a reading teacher, where she spent three years helping students grow as readers and collaborating with colleagues to strengthen literacy instruction. Now, as Instructional Facilitator, she partners with teachers to support high-quality instruction, analyze student data, and provide meaningful professional learning that improves student outcomes. Mrs. Martin is passionate about helping both students and educators grow and is proud to continue serving the students, families, and staff of the South Omaha community at Bluestem Middle School.