PHILADELPHIA City Council’s federal challenge to the state takeover of the Philadelphia PA school district was dealt a blow March 27 by U.S. District Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter who ruled that the case should be heard first in state courts.

Attorneys for Gov. Schweiker and the Philadelphia School Reform Commission had sought such a ruling. However Alice Bailard, attorney representing City Council, said the sit hinged on issues of federal law and rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Appeals are planned.

NEW YORK Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants total control of the public schools in New York. He wants to abolish the Board of Education. The system continues to deteriorate. Many leaders blame lack of funds and point out that the school board is not to blame.