Parents Bound For Court In Md. School Dispute

CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) -- Just two days before classes begin, some parents in western Maryland are asking a court to block their children's transfer from schools in Hancock to Cumberland.

A hearing is scheduled for Monday afternoon in Allegany County Circuit Court.

The lawsuit involves about 20 students from the unincorporated community of Little Orleans. Kids there have been allowed for 10 years to attend school in the nearby Washington County town of Hancock instead of in the more distant city of Cumberland.

The Allegany school board is phasing out the agreement for financial reasons. It says the children must go to school in Cumberland starting Wednesday.

The parents say state law encourages keeping students in schools close to their communities -- even if it they must cross county lines.

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