A federal judge has given preliminary approval to a settlement that calls for the state to pay $15.5 million in a class action lawsuit alleging discrimination in the controversial “Best and Brightest” teacher-bonus program.

U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle issued a 22-page order Monday that said the “settlement fund is a fair and reasonable recovery considering all the facts and circumstances” in the case. He will hold what is known as a “fairness” hearing in March, after which he could give final approval to the settlement.

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