An appeals court has upheld a decision putting New York City's plan to close 19 public schools on hold.
A state Supreme Court judge ruled in March that education officials did not follow a state law requiring that they explain how each school closing would affect the community.
The Appellate Division agreed with the lower court in a decision released Thursday.
A city education panel voted on Jan. 26 to close the 19 schools because of poor performance.
The teachers union and the NAACP filed a lawsuit to block the closings.
Teachers union head Michael Mulgrew said Thursday's decision proves that no one is above the law.
City Corporation Counsel Michael Cardozo said his office is "profoundly disappointed" by the decision and is exploring its options for a further appeal.
