A commonwealth court judge is working on a decision on whether the state’s methods of funding public education meets the Pennsylvania constitutional requirement that lawmakers provide a “thorough and efficient system.”
Arguments wrapped up on Tuesday in commonwealth court over the issue. The plaintiffs in the case include six school districts, several parents, the state conference of the NAACP and the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools. They allege that many students across the state lack basic educational support and services and that despite the tireless efforts of the school districts, dwindling resources are preventing schools from making the necessary upgrades to help students.
The case could result in some major changes in the way schools are funded. The plaintiffs are challenging whether or not the amounts and methods of the distribution of education subsidies are in line with constitutional requirements. The defendants in the case, Republican leaders in the state House and Senate say funding has been growing over the years and funding is adequate.
There’s no word yet on when Commonwealth Court Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer will render a verdict, but it is expected that the losing side will appeal.
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