The Virginia Supreme Court says judges cannot require a school board to allow a violent sex offender to enter school property.

The justices unanimously ruled Friday that the Virginia Constitution gives school boards complete control over school buildings and grounds.

The court said a Charlottesville judge who lifted the ban for one sex offender overstepped his authority when he spelled out the type of school events the man would be allowed to attend.

The justices said state law allows circuit judges to decide whether to grant an exemption to a state law banning violent sex offenders from school property. Ultimately, though, it's up to the school board to decide whether to allow the offender on school grounds.

©2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.