Houston ISD takes its fight against state takeover to federal court

[Elderberry]

Houston Chronicle by  Andrea Zelinski Dec. 5, 2019

As Houston Independent School District fights for its independence, U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel gave little indication Thursday of whether he would tap the brakes on the state’s plans to strip power from the elected trustees and install a new governing board.

However, Yeakel complimented the district on a “well-presented” case and said he plans to rule quickly on HISD’s request for a preliminary injunction. An injunction would stop the state from making moves to upend management at the state’s largest school district until the court hears and decides the full case.

David Campbell, an attorney arguing on behalf of HISD, said the state’s attempt to appoint a board of managers to oversee the school district is like “bringing an elephant gun to shoot a mouse.”

More: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/education/article/Houston-ISD-takes-its-fight-against-state-14885644.php

[PeteS in CA]

David Campbell, an attorney arguing on behalf of HISD, said the state’s attempt to appoint a board of managers to oversee the school district is like “bringing an elephant gun to shoot a mouse.”

I'm no lawyer, but don't arguments about the species and size of the rodent intrinsically admit the existence of the rodent and suggest the possibility that more will be found?

[RetBobbyMI]

On what grounds is this even a federal case?  Local governing bodies get their authority from state constitutions and laws.