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Students Win in School Funding Lawsuit
Clear Creek Independent School District
Office of Communications
2425 East Main Street
League City, Texas 77573
Contact: Elaina Polsen, Director
(281) 284-0020 or epolsen@ccisd.net
February 5, 2013
Students Win in School Funding Lawsuit
League City, Texas- The Clear Creek Independent School District is hailing the verdict in the school finance trial as a victory for children in Texas. On Monday, Judge John Dietz of the 250th Judicial District Court ruled education funding is inadequate and inequitable across the state. In his ruling, Judge Dietz specifically called on the State to provide the resources necessary to give all students a real opportunity to graduate from high school ready for college or a career; provide equitable funding to bring all Texas school districts up to the funding levels necessary to meet Texas’ high standards; and provide local communities with meaningful discretion to provide local enrichment above state requirements.
The Clear Creek Independent School District was one of 600 school districts to file suit against the State when the legislature cut $5.4 billion from public education in 2011. This reduction occurred at a time when the State increased unfunded requirements for school districts and testing requirements. “We are pleased with Judge Dietz’s decision,” said Dr. Greg Smith, Superintendent of Schools. “We are in favor of higher standards for education. We look forward to the State doing its part to provide the appropriate financial and human resources to meet those shared goals. I think that is the bottom line on this verdict.”
While ruling was in favor of school districts, the decision will likely be appealed to the Texas Supreme Court before any significant changes are made to the way Texas funds public education. “We certainly hope our lawmakers, who are currently in session, use this as an opportunity to meet the needs of students and teachers in classrooms across Texas,” said Smith.
Public school financing is a complex and controversial system dating back to 2006 when the State forced school districts to reduce property tax rates from $1.50 to $1.00 per $100 valuation, froze per-student funding based on 2006 property values, and promised to make up the difference through the business franchise tax. This tax never delivered the intended results. In 2011, the State cut $5.4 billion to education. This reduction equaled $17.5 million for the Clear Creek Independent School District.
To watch Judge John Dietz’s ruling, click here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gaRjDef75sI