MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Schoolteachers in Memphis and Shelby County are asking a federal judge to protect their interests if he allows formation of municipal school districts.

According to The Commercial Appeal (http://bit.ly/SHQD6i), the education associations of the combining city and county school systems have filed a request with U.S. District Court Judge Samuel "Hardy" Mays. They want to file a third-party complaint against Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman.

Mayes said Thursday the request could complicate a lawsuit he is overseeing as city and county legislative bodies try to stop a half-dozen suburban cities from starting their own schools.

Teachers, who might find themselves working in a new district, want protection of their benefits and current rights and privileges.

Information from: The Commercial Appeal, http://www.commercialappeal.com

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