FINAL ARGUMENTS TODAY IN TEXAS SCHOOLS SUIT

  

Closing arguments are Friday in the second phase of Texas' school finance trial – however, a ruling isn't expected until next month.

State District Judge John Dietz declared more than year ago that state funding for public education is inadequate and unfairly distributed among school districts.

The initial decision came after more than 600 school districts statewide sued in response to the State Legislature's cutting $5.4 billion in funding to classrooms in 2011.

Last year, lawmakers restored more than $3.4 billion while easing high school graduation standards.

Dietz reopened the case three weeks ago to hear evidence on how that might affect his initial decision.

After Friday's closing arguments, Dietz will issue a written ruling after mid-March.

That will then likely be appealed to the Texas Supreme Court.