The Nebraska Supreme Court says the taxing authority used by a board that oversees nearly a dozen Omaha-area
school districts is constitutional.

In a decision released Friday, the high court overturned a Sarpy
County ruling that said taxes levied by the Learning Community
board were unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court says it's clear that the taxes serve a mostly
local purpose. Plus the court says all members of the learning
community receive some benefit from the taxes levied, and the tax
rate is uniform throughout the community.

The Learning Community was created by the Legislature in 2006.
It oversees common property tax levies among 11 school districts in
Douglas and Sarpy counties. The community's intent is to
de-emphasize district borders and sharpen the focus on achievement
and diversity.