A majority of the Roanoke School Board is interested in pursuing legal action against the commonwealth of Virginia over an alleged breach of constitutional rights.

The board voted 5-2 on a motion introduced by member Jason Bingham, who said the state -- by cutting millions of dollars in state aid to localities -- is not fulfilling the state constitutional requirement to establish and maintain a high-quality program of education.

Todd Putney and Lori Vaught voted against the motion, which directs the school board’s attorney to gather information and report back.

“I don’t see what it will get us, and I think it will distract some of our resources,” Putney said.

The board is expecting a deficit of between $4 million and $16 million as its members await final appropriations to be hashed out by state lawmakers.