Fair School Funding Case Heard by Supreme Court

The state Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday on whether the amount of state money being distributed to school districts is equitable, and whether the disparity between some districts violates the Washington Constitution.

The court heard the state's appeal of a November 2007 ruling in a lawsuit filed by the Federal Way school district. A King County Superior Court judge agreed with the district's contention that the state's method of distributing school money was unconstitutional, and that the Legislature needed to find a more equitable plan.

"We have a school district that is especially harmed under the old system and has been frozen in place for 32 years," said attorney Lester Porter, Jr., who is representing the school district.

Federal Way Public Schools estimates it would have $11.5 million more in state and local money each year if all districts were treated equally.  The district argues that uneven distribution of state money to districts violates the state constitution because it is not general and uniform, and violates the equal protection rights of Federal Way teachers, students and taxpayers.

Story courtesy of the Associated Press and the News Tribune. Read more at the News Tribune.

Posted: June 12, 2009