MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)
A Jefferson County Circuit judge has ordered Birmingham school officials to not interfere with the state school board's efforts to take over the finances of the city's schools.
After a hearing on Friday, Circuit Judge Elisabeth French ordered school board members not to interfere with decisions of state Superintendent Tommy Bice to ensure city schools open for the fall in a timely manner. The judge also ordered board members to make sure Bice and his staff have access to school system records and computers.
The Alabama attorney general and board of education are suing Birmingham school board members, saying their challenge to the state taking over their finances has put the interests of schoolchildren at risk.
AG Luther Strange, the state school board and Bice filed the lawsuit Friday.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.