More Suits Coming

Rural educators met in North Little Rock today and more districts signed on to an effort to stop administrative consolidation through the courts. A new law to merge offices of districts with 350 students or less was created during the special session to reform education. Leaders of rural schools say the state allowed them to exist under an unconstitutional system and they should have a chance at operation under a constitutional one. Theyve hired lawyers to file a federal injunction in the matter around the same time districts are required to submit their consolidation plans to the state. Rural Education Association President Jimmy Cunningham also says even more court action could be on the horizon. Yesterday during the first meeting between the special masters investigating school reform and the parties to the Lakeview school equity lawsuit a request was made for a third master to be appointed. Attorney Bill Lewellen said that person was needed to protect the interests of rural and minority areas, since most of the lawyers involved are from large districts. Cunningham says if that third master doesnt become a reality, his group might sue based on discrimination.