Mark Sanford Versus Students and School Administrators

South Carolina Republican Mark Sanford was the nation’s only governor to take the battle against accepting federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to court.

Yesterday, Sanford lost a pivotal decision when the federal court returned two lawsuits against Sanford (one from school administrators the other from South Carolina students) to the state Supreme Court. The state Court is expected to rule in favor of school administrators and students - and state lawmakers - by ordering Sanford to accept Recovery Act funds.

At issue is $700 million in federal aid that would help the state avoid massive teacher layoffs and other cutbacks.

South Carolina’s Superintendent of Education Jim Rex, a Democrat, said: “We need to resolve this fiasco in a way that doesn't hurt kids. Every other state and governor is getting this done, and we need to get it done here, too."

A few articles about the issue:
Governor Sanford Sees Loss in Stimulus Fight, Wall Street Journal
Sanford's stubbornness costs schools dearly, Greenville News
Sanford hands off decision, Post and Courier

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