The Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled that the state’s new private-school-voucher system can go forward, denying a request to halt the program in its infancy.
Opponents of the voucher model, which include the state’s two main teachers’ unions, had sought an injunction to stop the program, which the state has already begun implementing. While the legal challenge to the program will continue, the decision means students and schools taking part in the new system, championed by Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal, can begin making use of the vouchers.
The program is expected to serve about 5,600 students this year.
The Louisiana Association of Educators noted that its legal challenge to the program, which argues the program violates the state’s constitution, is still alive. A district court is expected to hear the case in October.