"Minor" Miscalculation? Or Conspiracy?

A story has appeared on the OWH and LJS websites that says there isn't going to be quite as much budget surplus here in Nebraska as first though in November. (LJS article) However, the difference isn't a couple million dollars, it's almost $40 million. The Legislature says that the difference in projections is because of increased funding to schools to the tune of $39.2 million. $39.2 million dollars is being adding to state aid? And that wasn't known two months ago? This sounds a little fishy. Metro area residents know that the Learning Community is a source of contention between metro school districts and the legislature. I'm not saying that miscalculations happen, but almost $40 million? Even $10 million would've only garnered a shrug. But it will be interesting to see how this plays out. Will this be a card for the legislature to play to push the Learning Community? At one time OPS had sued the state because of it's perceived flaws in the state aid system. Will that affect the lawsuit? Stay tuned...

This OWH article from May 2007 is a Q & A that includes info on the Learning Community and some info on the lawsuit.

More Local News Reports:

Omaha:

WOWT: Schools to Squeeze Budget

KETV: Education Department Needs Millions More for '08

KPTM: State Budget to Take Hit From Higher School Costs

Lincoln

KOLN/KGIN: Schools Require Larger Budget