A judge is expected to issue a ruling this week in the latest challenge to Jefferson County Public Schools' student assignment plan.A suit filed on behalf of 13 parents claims the district is in violation of a state law that gives parents the right to enroll their children in the school closest to their home. It claims the state law is applicable because the county's federal desegregation plan was lifted in 2000.JCPS attorney Bryon Leet argues the state law is worded to draw a clear distinction between the right to enroll and the right to attend a given school."Is the statute, KRS 159.070, does that give students the right, statutorally, to attend the school nearest their home? We believe the argument is compelling that it does not," he said last week.Jefferson Circuit Judge Irv Maze says he'll issue a ruling Thursday on a motion to dismiss the suit. Both sides say they'll appeal if he decides against them.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.
