Ernie Chambers has filed as a candidate for the new council that will oversee education initiatives in the Omaha metro area.

Chambers filed with the Secretary of State's office Thursday in a bid to represent north Omaha on the Learning Community Coordinating Council of Douglas and Sarpy counties.

The learning community partners 11 school districts in Douglas and Sarpy counties to increase diversity and equalize educational opportunities. It grew from what some saw as a radical plan by Chambers to split Omaha Public Schools along racially identifiable lines.

Chambers is the longest-serving state senator in Nebraska history but is being retired from the Unicameral by term limits.

Chambers and Melvin Muhammad are currently the only two people running in District 2 and two candidates will be elected.