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Ruling delayed until Monday in charter school suit

by Walter Pierce

The Louisiana Association of Educators filed a lawsuit challenging the $60 million in spending through Louisiana's public school financing formula.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A state district judge has postponed until Monday a decision on whether he intends to shut down the flow of money to 33 charter schools authorized by the state education board.

The Louisiana Association of Educators filed a lawsuit challenging the $60 million in spending through Louisiana's public school financing formula. The lawsuit claims it violates the state constitution because those charter schools are created and operated outside of parish and city school systems.

Judge Wilson Fields heard testimony and arguments earlier in the week. He had planned to issue his ruling on a preliminary injunction request Friday, but then delayed the hearing until Monday morning instead.

Supporters say charter schools offer more specialized educational opportunities to students. Public school leaders say they take needed money away from their schools.