An attorney for the district told Delaware County Judge Chad F. Kenney on Friday that the state's recovery plan would hurt special needs students and close two better performing schools.
Attorney George Dawson, special counsel to Chester Upland, argued the district is not financially distressed and that the petition is "arbitrary and capricious."
State Education Secretary Ronald Tomalis is seeking to have Joseph P. Watkins, the state-appointed chief recovery officer, named as the district's receiver.
Kenney says he'll rule within 10 days.
Tomalis is asking for the appointment of Watkins because the school board voted to reject the recovery plan.
