A vote to move forward with litigation passed 4-3 at Thursday night's school board meeting.

During the meeting, IPS Superintendent Dr. Eugene White said the state's decision was “more about politics than the children,” 6News' Tanya Spencer reported.

The Indiana Department of Education announced Thursday the takeover of Manual, Howe and Arlington high schools, along with Emma Donnan Middle School, all of which would be turned over to an outside operator under the plan.

White said the state measured Howe’s progress and the progress of some other high schools unfairly.

"They met the 3 percent improvement mark, and they should have been off of probation," White said.

In his first time speaking publicly about the state takeover of some IPS schools, White criticized the state's tabulation. He said there has been improvement at four of the six schools in question over the past six years.

"There have been improved graduation rates, the reduced dropout rate and the improved test scores," he said.

White said the state used figures from just one grade in the high schools, not the whole school.

IPS board members who voted against suing the state said litigation would be too costly and could drag on for months in court.

Board member Andrea Roof said it’s time to accept the state takeover and move on.

"It's devastating. I wish we weren't in this situation, but we are," Roof said. "Do I like it? No. Do I think it sucks? Yes. But it's done, in my opinion, and I just want to ensure the best for all kids."

Board member Diane Arnold also voted against filing the lawsuit.

"It would be difficult for me to believe that the state wouldn't want what's best in the interest of our children. The issue is that we've had six years (to improve). For whatever reason, it just didn't happen. I think we just have to move forward," Arnold said.

The lawsuit will only fight the state takeover of Howe and Arlington and the state intervention of Broad Ripple and Washington high schools.

IPS is not contesting the state takeover of Manual and Emma Donnan.