Tucson schools submit new desegregation plan

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - The Tucson Unified School District is telling a judge of its latest plans to free itself from federal oversight of its desegregation efforts.

The Arizona Daily Star reports the plan submitted Friday focuses on balancing the racial makeup of schools, improving the hiring and retention of minority employees, and improving educational opportunities for black and Hispanic students.

District spokeswoman Cara Rene says the public can comment on the latest plan until Nov. 28.

The district has been under a court desegregation order for more than 30 years. The case began with a class-action lawsuit filed by parents of Hispanic and black students against the district.

The desegregation order was lifted in 2009 but reinstated last year after a federal appeals court found the district hadn't acted in good faith.

Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com

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