Local

Judge denies halt to Union Co. schools redistricting

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — A judge denied a request Monday to stop a controversial plan to shuffle thousands of students around Union County's district.

Parents were upset the judge didn't rule to stop redistricting in its tracks but they said they are hopeful because the judge agreed to give them a chance to look at what they believe is key evidence showing the Board of Education illegally pushed through redistricting.

After nearly two hours of arguments, the judge denied the temporary restraining order, saying the parents in the lawsuit didn't show that the process would immediately or irreparably harm their families.
 
But the judge did agree to hear a motion that would give the parents emails and correspondence between Board of Education members in the months leading up to the March fourth vote on redistricting.

Parents said they may have lost Monday's battle but that it's just their first step in the war against the district.

“We didn't have exactly what she needed for that -- to show irreparable harm, but we are moving forward and looking forward to discovery and to actually getting those answers, said Kim Hillegas, lawsuit plaintiff.

The lawsuit is being funded by a group called CAPS -- or Citizens for Adequate Public Schools.

To see more local news stories, click here.