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The article presents information about the a plan to split up of Omaha, Nebraska's public school system into three racially and ethnically distinct districts. Omaha Superintendent John J. Mackiel has called on leaders from nearby districts to meet with him in the coming weeks to come up with an alternative to the plan. Meanwhile, U.S. House Representative Tom Osborne, who is seeking his party's nomination for governor, said last week he opposed the legislation. That news sparked a drive to get registered Democrats to change party affiliation to vote against Governor Dave Heineman, who signed the plan into law, in next month's Republican primary.

The article reports on Nebraska lawmakers' approval of a bill to break up the Omaha Public Schools. The break up of the Omaha Public Schools, largely along racial and ethnic lines, is under a plan that amounts to state-sanctioned segregation and that likely will face a legal challenge. Passed on April 13, 2006 in the last hours of the legislative session and signed the same day by governor Dave Heineman, the measure calls for splitting up the 45,000-student district by 2008. Backers of the law, which passed on a final vote of 31-16 in the unicameral legislature, also noted that the break up plan was part of a larger education measure that includes new opportunities for students to transfer, space permitting, between districts within the Omaha metropolitan area.

Reports on the debate over two education-related ballot measures in Nebraska. Initiatives amending the state's constitution; Union of teachers' support for the measures; School administrator's opposition to the measures; Possibility for the passing of the tax cap without guarantees on the fate of school funding.

Looks at the public effects of the distribution of a videotape showing Johnny Tkaczuk beating Ryan Nokes at Omaha South High School in Nebraska. Appearance of the videotape on television newscasts across the country; Tkaczuk's guilty plea to the incident; Assistant principal Kathryn Piller's duplication of the tape.

Looks at the impact of a cap on property taxes imposed by Nebraska legislature on school building construction plans in Murray, Nebraska. Apprehension over anti-tax sentiments; Limits on school districts' spending.

Reports on the debate at the Nebraska legislature over major changes to both the amount state taxpayers spend on K-12 education and how the money is distributed among the state's school districts. Bill introduced by Senator Ardyce Bohlke's education committee that would hasten the distribution of funds equitably among rich and poor districts.