NC judge to hold hearing on education funding order

Longstanding education funding litigation in North Carolina could reach a watershed if a judge orders money be spent over the wishes of the General Assembly. Superior Court Judge David Lee scheduled a hearing Wednesday in which he’ll consider options on how to carry out two years of a remedial spending plan offered by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and the State Board of Education. Plaintiffs in the so-called “Leandro” lawsuit want Lee to direct $1.7 billion to go to three agencies. Republicans who control the legislature say only the General Assembly can appropriate funds in state coffers.