A decision in the municipal schools case could be made as early as Tuesday. Mediation talks have broken down and a decision from the judge is expected any day.

Fox13 spoke with Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald, and he said Judge Hardy Mayes has indicated he will make a ruling before Wednesday.

Friday was the last mediation session before it was decided that it would be pointless to continue. The suburban representatives said they threw out several ideas, but all were struck down by the County Commission reps.

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They could not agree on autonomy, according to McDonald, who would not say too much until the final decision is made.

He says the suburbs want autonomy for their schools, and the Commission was unwilling to budge. Judge Mayes was the mediator in the discussions, but McDonald says he did not show his hand.

"He'd be an awfully good poker player.  He didn't give any tells."

Meanwhile, attorneys are preparing for the second trial in the municipal schools case. After the New Year, the judge will hear the case on whether the creation of municipal schools resegregates Shelby County schools. Mayes will only hear that case if the suburbs are successful in the constitutionality case.