Helena High School

Judge in Arkansas desegregation case recuses himself; cites opinion on ...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The federal judge who ordered an end last month to most of Arkansas' required desegregation payments has removed himself from the case, saying he could no longer make unbiased decisions after the state took over his hometown's school district.

U.S. District Judge Brian Miller made his decision public Friday with a brief order. He cited his "deeply held personal opinions" about the state's takeover Monday of the Helena-West Helena School District. Education Commissioner Tom Kimbrell dismissed the superintendent, Willie Williams, and dissolved the district's school board.

Miller and Williams were high school classmates and graduated in 1985 from the district, Williams told The Associated Press Friday night. Miller later worked as an attorney for the school board, Williams said. And Miller's brother, Kyle Miller, served on the school board that was dissolved by Kimbrell, said another board member, Rayne Gordon.

Williams said he hadn't spoken to Miller about the takeover.

"We believe that we had positive support from the judge, but again, I can't speak for him," Williams said. "I don't know why he chose to recuse himself."

Miller could not be reached for comment. He did not detail his opinion on the takeover in the order.

"In that the undersigned has significant knowledge of the situation in Helena-West Helena and has deeply held personal opinions as to the reasons for and timing of the takeover of the Helena-West Helena School District, the undersigned would find it difficult to render decisions unaffected by his personal opinions," Miller wrote, referring to himself as the undersigned.

"For this reason a conflict is created and recusal is necessary," he said.

The case will now be handled at the district level by Judge D.P. Marshall Jr.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has stayed Miller's May ruling to cut off most of the $70 million Arkansas pays to three Little Rock-area school districts for desegregation programs. The appeals court is scheduled to hear the case in September.

On the same day as the Helena-West Helena takeover, Kimbrell also dismissed the superintendent and school board at the Pulaski County Special School District, one of three districts involved in the desegregation case.

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel had asked Miller earlier this week to allow Pulaski County's attorney, Sam Jones, to continue the district's appeal. Miller had not ruled on that request before stepping aside.

Water Damage in Helena High School

Helena High School experienced some water damage in the girl’s locker room after a gasket failed around a fire main. The fire main is responsible for supplying water to the sprinkler system should there be a fire in the gymnasium. WHen the gasket failed, it allowed water to enter the sprinkler system and this action set off the fire alarm. Water had been pouring onto the floor of the locker room and a handful of offices close to a half hour before the fire department arrived and realized what the problem was.

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