Omaha Public Schools to split into three districts LINCOLN, NE (NET Radio) - The Legislature gave final approval Thursday to a bill that would split the Omaha Public Schools district into three parts. The 31-16 vote completed a legislative rebellion against what started out as a bid by OPS to take over schools in suburban areas already annexed by the city. School officials argued that was needed to achieve racial and socio-economic integration. But Omaha Senator Ernie Chambers, the only African-Amercan member of the Legislature, turned that argument against OPS. Chambers argued the district is currently segregated and tri-secting it would give poor and minority parents more control over their local schools. The bill sponsored by Senator Ron Raikes of Lincoln says the division won't take effect until 2008, saying what the bill really does is hold a hammer over OPS's head to force it to negotiate. Opponents argue that splitting OPS would amount to unconstitutional state-sanctioned segregation. Attorney general Jon Bruning says the bill raises constitutional questions. Chambers denies that the bill is unconstitutional, and points out that the newly created districts would follow existing school attendance t lines, adding that if it is unconstitutional, so is the existing setup. Governor Dave Heineman is expected to sign the measure.
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