LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Kentucky Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Jefferson County Public Schools in a controversial lawsuit filed in 2010 over student busing.
In the 5-2 decision, the court ruled that Kentucky students have no legal right to attend neighborhood schools. It's a big blow to those who support the idea of attending and a big victory for JCPS.
Under the ruling, student assignments in any district is up to the discretion of the local school board.
JCPS officials have said that letting students attend schools near their home would amount to a return to segregation.
We spoke with JCPS superintendent Donna Hargens for her reaction to the decision.
"We're going to proceed as we've planned," Hargens said. "Like I said, we knew the decision would come, and we're glad to have the decision but we're focused on student achievement, so that's what teachers will be focused on."
Attorney Ted Gordon, who has been fighting on behalf of parents against the assignment plan, released the following statement:
"All the parents in this case were courageous to take on the school system, and even though they did not win this round, they have made JCPS turn the corner, away from the outdated social experiment of busing.
"Now these parents are hopeful that JCPS will start improving the educational outcome for all our children."
Gordon says he does plan to file a Motion to Reconsider, but that will be a challenge because the ruling was 5 to 2.
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