Judge could hear new evidence in school finance lawsuit

The judge who is overseeing Texas’ school finance case said Wednesday he could reopen the case for new evidence in light of the legislative changes made to education funding and testing requirements.

“The consideration is: Was there a material change in the circumstances, a substantial change in the circumstances, by reason of this most recent Legislature?” state District Judge John Dietz said at a hearing Wednesday.

The new evidence could inform the judge’s final written order but would not be enough for Dietz to overturn his decision in February that Texas’ school finance system is unconstitutional.

That decision will be appealed to the Texas Supreme Court and lawyers representing the school districts say they want the trial court record to be as current as possible.

More at http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/judge-could-hear-new-evidence-in-school-finance-la/nYCZs/?icmp=statesman_internallink_invitationbox_apr2013_statesmanstubtomystatesman_launch .