Judge: School finance system unconstitutional

Texas’ system of funding public schools is unconstitutional, state District Judge John Dietz ruled Monday.

After 12 weeks of trial testimony, Dietz announced his decision from the bench to a packed courtroom and upheld all the major claims by the school districts. A direct appeal to the Texas Supreme Court is expected soon.

Two-thirds of Texas school districts have sued the state claiming that the Legislature has failed to live up to its constitutional obligation to provide an “efficient system of public free schools.” Their multitude claims amount to a culmination of nearly 30 years of school finance litigation.

Dietz ruled that the state had not provided adequate resources to lift students to the state’s new high standards.

More at http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/judge-school-finance-system-unconstitutional/nWFnf/ .