KPLU Local News
(2010-02-04)
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Stephanie McCleary with her two children at the King County Regional Justice Center in Kent, Wash. Attorney Thomas Ahearne is at right. February 4, 2010.
Gary Davis, KPLU photo.
At the Regional Justice Center in Kent, sunlight poured through the windows and there were gasps of joy as Judge John Erlick delivered his ruling.
"This court is left with no doubt, that under the state's current financing system, the state is failing in its constitutional duty to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within the borders of this state."
Erlick recounted the 30 year fight to clarify the state constitution's mandate: that education is its paramount duty.
"The state has made progress towards this constitutional obligation, but remains out of compliance."
The ruling gives detailed descriptions of what key words in the constitutional provision mean: words like paramount, ample and basic. Erlick ordered Olympia to come up with two things that have proved historically slippery: a dollar figure for ample funding, estimated to be in the billions; and predictable revenue streams to provide it. That money would come from the state's general fund, and not from voter approved levies, as much of it does now.
The decision overjoyed the case's lead plaintiff, parent Stephanie McCleary. The mother of two public school children in Jefferson County was tired of raising money for their schools' basic classroom supplies and textbooks.
"I hope it changes really quickly while my children are in school, because this was huge to go through this, and I just hope my children get a chance to benefit from this experience."
McCleary was backed by a coalition called the Network For Excellence in Washington Schools. Their attorney says the judge got it right. Attorney General Rob McKenna - may see it differently, and could file an appeal. Gary Davis, KPLU News, Kent.
More Information:
Audio of Judge Erlick's ruling in McCleary v. State of Washington
Link to full ruling in McCleary v. State of Washington
A History of Public Education in Washington State - The Learning Curve series, a report by KPLU's Liam Moriarty.
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