COURT SHOOTS DOWN SCHOOLS’ LAW SUIT

  

The state Supreme Court has deal a blow to over 600 school districts that have been suing the state over school funding.

The all-Republican court has ruled unanimously that Texas' controversial school finance system is constitutional.

The districts filed suit after state lawmakers approved $5.4 billion in classroom cuts in 2011.

The court reversed a lower judge's decision that had sided with the schools and ruled the state inadequately and unfairly distributed funsa among the wealthy and poor districts.

The 9-0 decision ends a case that was the largest of its kind in Texas history.  The court, in its ruling, stated the system is "undeniably imperfect, with immense room for improvement. But it satisfies minimum constitutional requirements.”

School districts from all parts of Texas were on the same side in the case. While those in economically challenged areas said funding was inadequate, districts in well-to-do locales argued that voters often refuse to approve local tax increases because much of the money would go elsewhere.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the leader of the Texas Senate and former head of its powerful education committee, admitted that "Robin Hood' doesn't work well" and that lawmakers would continue making improvements to school funding.