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Judge Denies Jacksonville's Request To Become Party In Desegregation Case

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U.S. District Court judge Price Marshall denied the Jacksonville School District’s request to become a separate party in a long-running desegregation case involving the Pulaski County Special School District on Tuesday.

“The Judge indicated he would allow us to be heard on issues that may impact Jacksonville both in pleadings and in open court. We are comfortable with that,” said Patrick Wilson, an attorney for the Jacksonville District, which plans to separate from the PCSSD.

 Both districts remain subject to court supervision as part of a desegregation lawsuit until they make progress to achieve unitary status in areas such as facilities, achievement, staffing and discipline.

Representatives from the PCSSD told the judge it plans to build a new high school in Sweet Home, as a "Plan B," to address racial disparities. Pulaski County voters recently decided against a millage increase for a district-wide construction plan, which had been the district's "Plan A." Jerry Guess is superintendent for PCSSD. He said he understands why the millage failed.

“Well, I think probably a lot of reasons. I think the years and years of litigation, the years and years of negative press, and I think there were groups that worked against us,” said Guess.

According to Guess, the new school will be built on the current location of Mills High School, and will also expand to house middle school students. Guess said the district will once again ask voters again for a millage increase. He hopes to gain unitary status for the district to exit court supervision by the 2015/2016 school year. 

Sarah Whites-Koditschek is a former News Anchor/ Reporter for KUAR News and Arkansas Public Media.