Edison clears lawsuit hurdle

Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2001 | 10:37 a.m.

Edison Schools' takeover of seven Clark County schools cleared a legal hurdle this week.

District Judge Nancy Saitta ruled Tuesday that there was nothing illegal in the School Board's contract with Edison to run the schools, nor was there a basis to find the pact unconstitutional.

Saitta ruled on a lawsuit filed April 23 by the Nevada State Education Association, Education Support Employees Association and Assemblyman Wendell Williams, D-Las Vegas, against the Clark County School District, Edison Schools and the seven School Board members.

The plaintiffs said the School Board could not establish a new method of public schools and that only the Legislature could make such a decision. Saitta ruled that the board did not exceed its statutory authority.

The case can be appealed to the Nevada Supreme Court, where an expedited hearing can be requested to stop Edison from running the schools at the scheduled Aug. 30 start of the new school year.

Four months ago -- and after much criticism from those who argued that only public schools should get taxpayer money -- the School Board approved a five-year contract with Edison to operate West, Cahlan, Crestwood, Lincoln , Lynch, Park and Ronnow elementary schools.

The agreement allows Edison to take over the district's $35 million in state aid to run the schools. In turn, the company is to provide $10.5 million worth of start-up supplies for the schools and answer to the School Board.

Edison manages 113 schools with more than 57,000 students nationwide.