The Omaha Public School District blasted the boundary law passed in Lincoln Thursday afternoon as unconstitutional.

School Board Chair Sandra Jensen said, "This law will harm every single school district involved."

OPS Superintendent John Mackiel says the vote Thursday reaffirms the need for three branches of government, implying that this issue will head into the courts.

"One City, One School District is the law," Mackiel said, holding firm to the initial OPS plan to take over schools inside the city limits yet currently part of other districts.

The superintendent said OPS believes there are positive elements in LB 1024 but the law, in the form approved, is unconstitutional.

Jensen told those at an afternoon news conference, "I don't think following the law and doing what's right is arrogant. And I've heard that word thrown around a lot."

School Board Vice President Shirley Tyree added, "We took the high road and we're proud of it," a remark that was met with applause from the crowded room.

With an eye to the future and toward resolution of the issue, Superintendent Mackiel said, "We are now in the national spotlight. We stand ready to meet to resolve this for all the young people in the City of Omaha."