OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Omaha Public Schools board remains divided on a plan to help small, local businesses that is tied to a $421 million bond program

The board remained deadlocked after several rounds of voting Monday. The plan would develop policies to help contractors and vendors respond to more bid requests, to increase the pool of qualified businesses and to make economic inclusion a part of the bond program.

Some board members wanted to go ahead and adopt the plan, while others said they could not support it because the participation goal for small businesses is too small. The plan calls for a participation rate of 7 percent.

Businesses bidding for bond work would be asked to provide job or training opportunities for district students.

The school board is expected to revisit the plan in the coming weeks.