KRQE: APS votes no on suing state

From KRQE.com - by reporter David Romero - The issue of Albuquerque Public Schools suing the state of New Mexico for cuts in money to education is over. APS board members voted in a special meeting on Friday morning with three in favor and three against pursuing the legal action. A lack of majority in a roll call vote killed the potential lawsuit. Board president Marty Esquibel abstained because of a conflict of interest. For months APS had debated whether to sue the state over repeated cuts in funding. For the fiscal year 2012, APS is preparing for another $10 million in cuts of state money, which is what Gov. Susana Martinez is proposing. APS says those cuts and $31 million in cost increases in the district will prompt layoffs, furloughs and cuts to programs. APS lawyers said there are several questions that needed to be answered before a lawsuit could have been filed. They say it could cost the district up to $1 million in litigation and fees, and nothing would likely be resolved for two years. Some are glad to see the issue gone; others say it'll be brought up again. Read more

KRQE: APS votes no on suing state