NC School Board files lawsuit; claims new law is unconstitutional

RALEIGH, NC (AP) – North Carolina’s appointed statewide school board plans a lawsuit challenging a new law transferring much of its authority over public schools educating 1.5 million students to the elected superintendent.

State Board of Education Chairman Bill Cobey said Wednesday the lawsuit contends the law passed by the state legislature two weeks ago is unconstitutional.

The new law gives newly elected state schools Superintendent Mark Johnson more control over the state’s education budget, oversight of charter schools and authority to hire senior-level aides. He also will choose who will lead the takeover of some of the state’s lowest-performing schools.

Cobey, most members of the General Assembly and Johnson are all Republicans. But many members of the school board will likely be replaced by Democratic Gov.-elect Roy Cooper, who takes office Sunday.

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