Judge blocks schools from Ohio suit against e-school founder

COLUMBUS (AP) — A judge won’t let school districts intervene in Ohio’s civil case seeking to recoup millions of dollars in public funding from leaders of a now-defunct online charter school.

Eight districts, including Dayton and Toledo, sought to be part of the case involving founder William Lager and officials from the massive Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow. The districts argued the state wouldn’t adequately represent their interests and political affiliations might keep it from pursuing certain claims.

A Franklin County judge rejected that argument this week, however. She noted some claims and parties that the districts said were missing were added in Ohio’s amended complaint. The judge also noted the schools and the state have the same goal of recouping funding.

The state had opposed allowing the districts to intervene in the case.