The City of York may see Charter Schools USA coming to town this holiday season.

A York County judge just brushed off the state school board association’s attempt to aid the York City School Board in its fight to maintain local control and block a private takeover of the entire district, a first in Pennsylvania.

The York City School Board as well as families and teachers at the city’s public schools have been battling a state-appointed recovery officer with a plan to hand the district to for-profit company, Charter Schools USA. The school board has voted against the measure, but state officials have petitioned the court to appoint David Meckley, the recovery officer, to a position that would override the board. The Pennsylvania School Board Association condemned that petition, arguing that it removed power from the people who elected the board. York Judge Stephen Linebaugh disagreed, and dismissed PSBA’s counter petition.

“PSBA strongly opposes this usurping of local control and will continue to work with legislators and community leaders to promote and defend public education in Pennsylvania,” the association’s Executive Director said in a statement.      

The future of York City schools rests in the judge’s decision as to whether Meckley can override the school board, which is expected in the next couple weeks, before Governor elect Tom Wolf takes office. Wolf has said that he opposes a charter takeover in his home district.