Is it a better plan?

The Nebraska Legislature approved an amendment today to split OPS into three districts, offered by Ernie Chambers and Ron Raikes. After rejecting the integration amendment offered by Bourne, the body agreed to create a task force to study integration. I'm not entirely sure what this amendment does to favor the position of minorities. The current structure of the education system makes it likely that the less economically-viable districts will be largely ignored. Chambers is someone I trust on this issue, but I'm still skeptical, especially when the other leading proponents of the city in this matter voted against the amendment - offered in part by one of the leading opponents, Raikes.

There's no easy solution, but perhaps this is the best that they can do right now. Or, perhaps, it really is the best solution. If students are indeed allowed to go to any school within the so-called "learning community," then it's a small victory. I see many problems if the bill does pass, however. The administration costs of this endeavor are likely going to rise. Things will need to become more streamlined and efficient, but with the warring factions on each side, you have to wonder if that will actually happen.

I have to wonder, though, how Westside gets a pass. Though I don't agree with the suburban schools (Millard is not independent of Omaha, and the Ralston schools in question are in Omaha city limits), I can see their point somewhat. Westside schools have no ground to stand on, but no one has simply proposed that OPS absorb the Westside schools, which means that they will still remain their own district.