By Steven Allen Adams, The Journal
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A circuit judge reviewing motions in a case that could halt the implementation of public charter schools in West Virginia could render a decision by Friday.
Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Bailey heard arguments Tuesday in Charleston behind closed doors in a virtual hearing on motions for and against an preliminary injunction to block further implementation of House Bill 2012, which made changes to the state’s public charter school pilot program.
“I’m going to take these matters under advisement,” Bailey said to the attorneys in the case. “I know this is the seeking of preliminary relief that gives it a heightened scheduling status as far as a ruling. I will be contacting you all with a ruling by Friday … if not sooner. I just want to take an opportunity to now review your arguments.”
Two parents and teachers filed suit in Kanawha County Circuit Court against Gov. Jim Justice, Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, and House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, last month, challenging the legality of charters to form in counties without approval of either voters or elected county boards of education…