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The Latest: New Mexico judge defers judgment on education

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Latest on a legal challenge against New Mexico's educational system (all times local): 7:30 p.m. A lawsuit alleging that New Mexico's education system failed to meet its constitutional responsibilities is headed to trial after a judge denied requests for an early decision. The New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty said Monday that its main requests for summary judgment were denied so that the court can consider the state's response in greater depth. Plaintiffs in the case wanted a state judge to declare that New Mexico's education system is failing to meet its constitutional responsibilities for Native American students, low-income students and those learning English as a second language. Officials with Republican Gov. Susana Martinez's administration have denied the allegations and say funding on Education has increased. A trial is scheduled to begin in June. ___ 11:50 a.m. The Center on Law and Poverty and other advocates are asking a state judge to find that New Mexico's education system fails to meet its constitutional responsibilities when it comes to Native American students and those learning English as a second language. Lawyers gathered in Santa Fe on Monday for a pre-trial hearing. The case, which incorporates two lawsuits that make similar claims about inadequacies within the education system, is scheduled for trial in June. Plaintiffs in the case argue that New Mexico has a constitutional obligation to provide children the support necessary to learn and succeed, and that the state isn't providing enough funding or enrichment opportunities equitably to all students. State officials have denied the allegations, saying more money is being spent on education in New Mexico than ever before.