Idaho Supreme Court expedites school superintendent Ybarra’s suit against Legislature
The Idaho Supreme Court on Friday scheduled oral arguments for Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra’s lawsuit against the Idaho Legislature and State Board of Education for June 5.
Idaho’s highest court ordered the Legislature and State Board to submit briefs in response to Ybarra’s lawsuit by May 15, expediting the review of the constitutionality of technology funding and staffing cuts made to Ybarra’s office.
In a 53-page lawsuit, Ybarra is asking to restore the more than $2.7 million and 18 technology positions eliminated with the passage of two bills in March. Ybarra claims in the suit that the bills are unconstitutional because they “prevent me from fully discharging my constitutional duties.”
“There’s ample legal precedent affirming it is not just unlawful, but unconstitutional for the Legislature to use the appropriations process to subvert the Idaho Constitution. The Legislature cannot prevent a statewide elected officer from performing her duties,” Ybarra said in a statement last week.
