'Leandro' fast-tracked to justices; new judge directs review

North Carolina’s Supreme Court has agreed to accelerate the process that will lead to likely another landmark ruling in school funding litigation known as “Leandro." The justices granted a request to hear the matter in the coming months, rather than wait first for a ruling from the Court of Appeals. The justices didn't immediately schedule arguments but wants first a trial judge to examine education spending contained within the new state budget. Judge David Lee ordered in November that $1.75 billion in taxpayer money be spent to carry out a remedial education spending plan. But Lee won't conduct the review. Chief Justice Paul Newby picked another judge.