TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - A federal judge is ordering Tucson Unified School District to stick to the facts in the desegregation case -- and stop misleading the public.
We were the first to report that board member Michael Hicks criticized the district for launching a smear campaign against the special master -- who oversees the case -- and the plaintiffs.
This flyer -- signed by Safford K-8's principal -- in the hands of parents -- asking them to help save the magnet status of the school -- or it could be stripped of its funding by the special master.
That didn't sit well with board member Micheal Hicks because -- he said -- it wasn't true.
In the 11 page ruling -- Judge David Bury wrote -- the court received "a large number of letters from concerned citizens" -- reflecting a "great amount of misunderstanding."
So the judge ruled -- the special master will provide Board President Adelita Grijalva all substantive orders -- so she "can be kept abreast of the facts in the case -- including the Court's logic and reasoning."
The Governing Board is not only held accountable for accurately informing the public-- but also responsible for posting court orders on the district's website.
Judge Bury also gave the at-risk magnet schools more time -- until the end of the school year -- to improve racial balance or academic achievement -- and come up with Transitional Plans if they don't.
Tucson Unified School District is pleased to have more time to show progress with achievement and integration in the magnet schools mentioned in the court order. We'll be working together with the principals, staff and families to support our schools.
Any parent or guardian who wants to learn more about magnet schools and programs is invited to attend the Magnet Fair next week at Children's Museum Tucson. It's free and a great opportunity for one stop shopping to see if a school is the right fit for your child, click here.
