Judge: PCSSD-teacher's unions dispute belongs in court

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A federal judge says a dispute between a central Arkansas school district and unions belongs in state court.

The judge on Tuesday said the fight between the Pulaski County Special School District and teachers' and staff unions should be handled at the state level. The decision comes in a long-running desegregation case involving three school districts, including the Pulaski County one, which is wrestling with financial problems.

The Pulaski County Special School District recently terminated contracts with the Pulaski Association of Classroom Teachers and the Pulaski Association of Support Staff. It also asked the federal judge to declare its moves valid under state law.

The judge declined to do that in his order Tuesday. Instead, he said the dispute belongs in state court.

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