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Last updated 2:58AM ET
May 26, 2012
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Judge: State "Failing" To Fund Basic Education
By KPLU Education Reporter Gary Davis (2010-02-04)
Judge John Erlick reads his ruling in McCleary v. State of Washington, at the King Country Regional Justice Center in Kent, Wash, Feb. 4, 2010. Gary Davis photo.
KENT, WA (KPLU) - A King County judge has ruled the State of Washington is failing to adequately fund public education. Superior Court Judge John Erlick says the state is out of compliance' with its constitution, which calls education its "paramount duty."

Judge John Erlick: "State funding is not ample, it is not stable, it is not dependable. Local school districts continue to rely on local levies and other non-state resources to supplement state funding for a basic program of education."

Erlick ordered the state to figure out how much money will be needed to fully fund schools. He also charged Olympia with identifying predictable funding sources. Erlick says the state has made progress with recent reforms, but says education remains under-funded. The state's attorneys say they'll likely appeal. The decision delighted a coalition of parents, teacher's unions and school districts who jointly filed the suit.

More Information:

Audio of Judge Erlick's ruling in McCleary v. State of Washington

Link to full ruling in McCleary v. State of Washington

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