UNION COUNTY, NC — The battle to stop school redistricting in Union County is in a judge’s hands. Β Parents are fighting to keep thousands of kids from being shuffled to new schools. Β As WCCB’s Marvin Beach reports, lawyers for the school board say the last minute tactics won’t work.
A judge in Union County will rule next week whether to halt school redistricting. Β Lawyers argued at a hearing after parents upset about the plan filed an injunction.
“There’s always hope. But not a whole lot at the moment it doesn’t seem,” said parent Jennifer Averill. Β Parents like Averill left disappointed after the judge didn’t seem to buy the argument that school board members violated open-meeting laws. Β Lawyers who filed the injunction say the board secretly planned the March 4th Vote. Β “I’m a little disappointed that they didn’t argue a little more on the policy,” added Averill. Β “What’s the point of having policy for the Board of Education if you don’t have to stick to it?”
For many parents and students, this is an emotional issue. Β But Wednesday, the judge seemed to have a hard time finding a legal basis to halt redistricting.
“The Board of Education has done nothing wrong. Β This was an incredibly open process,” said Richard Schwartz, attorney for the Union County Board of Education. Β Schwartz argued the process was fair and that redistricting is necessary to relieve over-crowded schools. Β “It’s gotten to the point where you’ve either got to put up proof of something illegal or fold up,” he added.
But that’s a hard argument to make for students like Patrick Smith. Β While the Weddington High student will be grandfathered into the school. Β He’ll be split up from his younger brother Brian, who will go to Sun Valley. Β “The schools aren’t as good as others, so I feel like Weddington’s a pretty good school, and for him to not get a great experience at high school, a little bit difficult,” said Smith.
The judge is asking both sides to submit more written arguments. Β She expects to make a ruling early next week.
