Lakeview case dismissed
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals today upheld the dimissal of a lawsuit challenging the consolidation of the Lakeview School District with the Barton-Lexa School District. Lakeview, you may remember, gave its name to the historic state lawsuit over unconstitutional school funding and was consolidated itself in the aftermath.
The plaintiffs argued, among others, that majority black school districts were disproportionately affected by school consolidation and that the 350-student minimum district limit was arbitrary. The court said legislation implementing the state Supreme Court's Lakeview ruling was racially neutral on its face. It also said the state had a legitimate interest in promoting economies of scale in school districts.
Comments
The entire Lakeview saga has been a long, drawn-out affair that proves two truisms...be careful what you wish for and lawyers are ultimately in it for the paycheck. I mean...who else benefitted? I guess you could argue taxpayers as a whole because greater efficiency has been gained, but its less certain the kids and small town communities affected are better off (although greater course offerings for the smartest children is a plus). Hopefully this ruling represents a last gasp....followed by silence.
Posted by: KnockKnock![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
|
August 25, 2009 03:42 PM