KPLU Local News
(2009-10-21)
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Demonstrations for education funding reform are a common sight in Olympia. Photo courtesy NW Progressive.org.
The state's constitution calls public education its "paramount duty" and requires the state make "ample provision for educating all children..." But there's never been clear legal definition of what those terms mean, and that's what is at the heart of this case.
Thirty school districts, the state teachers union and two families claim the state fails to meet its basic mandate. For example, they point to the fact that Washington ranks 42nd out of 50 states in the amount it spends per student. Seattle, Bellevue and Edmonds are among the districts that joined the suit.
Attorneys for the state argue Olympia does meet its mandate. They say it's done so, despite big budget cuts.
Judge John Erlick told both sides it may take months to issue a ruling. Erlick says the work ahead of him is neither easy nor entirely clear. Gary Davis, KPLU News, Seattle.
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