SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A coalition of school districts is challenging the authority of Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's education secretary to drastically limit in-person instruction, dictate COVID-19 testing procedures and ensure employment for school staff whether they return to work or not.

A lawsuit filed Tuesday in state court asked a state judge to limit a litany of measures implemented during the pandemic, from mandating COVID-19 testing of staff to dictating how and when student lunches are distributed.

"This is about local control and the competence of our school boards to make...