Learning Community Overview
The information in this section highlights facts about the Learning Community (LC) law as it currently stands and the concerns about the LC law from the Papillion-La Vista School District (PLSD).
Questions/Comments, please let us know.
The History of the Learning Community
Prior to the 2006 legislative session, school districts were, for the most part, in disagreement over school district boundaries. The city of Omaha annexed the city of Elkhorn; Omaha Public Schools (OPS) attempted to absorb neighboring school districts such as Millard, Ralston, Elkhorn and Westside; and the Bellevue School District attempted to alter school boundaries with the Papillion-La Vista School District (PLSD). OPS also filed a finance lawsuit against the state of Nebraska.
The 2006 legislative solution to these issues was the passing of LB1024 which created a LC, froze metro area school boundaries, and broke OPS into three districts. During the 2007 Legislative Session, LB641 was passes; this amended LB1024 and allowed OPS to stay as one district.
What is the Learning Community?
- It legislates shared responsibility for all students in the 11 Douglas and Sarpy school districts.
- It adds another layer of governance on top of the school boards and provides the LC governing board $1 million annually for operation.
- It opens the enrollment in the 11 school districts, allowing students to go to any of the 11 districts. Transportation will be provided if the student’s attendance in a LC school helps to create a balance in the socio-economic student demographics among the Douglas and Sarpy school districts.
- It shares the property tax base and state aid dollars across all of the 11 school districts.
- It allows for the establishment of focus schools to draw students into neighboring school districts.
- It freezes all school district boundaries.
What is the PLSD’s position on the Learning Community?
We have concerns about the continued inclusion of the PLSD in the LC because we are concerned about governance, finances, student achievement, and specialized legislation.
What are the PLSD concerns about the Learning Community?
Concern = Student Achievement
There is nothing in the LC law that focuses on improving student learning. The only way this law attempts to address student learning is by moving students from one school district to another. This concept adds a huge financial burden and logistical nightmare as districts are required to provide transportation for some of the students moving. The PLSD would also question how moving students improves student learning?
Concern = Governance
The LC law adds another layer of governance and appropriates $1 million annually for the operation of this governing council. Neither the PLSD nor Sarpy County is guaranteed representation on this council.
Concern = Finances
The LC law divides the property tax base across two counties that do not have equal property assessment practices. All 11 school districts in the LC will have a common property tax levy. The money collected from this levy will go into one pool and be redistributed to the 11 school districts. All property taxes collected form Papillion-La Vista residents will no longer remain in the PLSD. Also, the LC law potentially increases taxes because, in addition to current levies, the LC can levy up to $.05 in additional taxes.
Concern = Specialized Legislation
The LC law is required for Douglas and Sarpy Counties only. If it is a law that is truly good and equitable for education, why is it not required for the other 91 counties in Nebraska?