The issue
In 2004, more than 200 school districts in Missouri, including Rolla Public Schools and Newburg, sued the state over what they felt was inadequate and inappropriate funding for schools.
The suit, brought on by the Coalition to Fund Excellent Schools, disputed the use of property taxes to fund schools, claiming it creates large disparities between higher and lower income areas.
Schools are also claiming the method is using property values from 2004, which the districts claim are incorrect, and are causing more disparities between higher and lower income districts.
What’s happened
In 2005, the state changed its funding formula, which took the emphasis off of property value and on to a per-pupil spending target, according to an Associated Press article.
Per-pupil spending in Missouri ranged in 2008 from $5,689 to $22,190.
After the change, a number of schools dropped out of the lawsuit but many remained saying that even with the change, using property values from 2004 still caused disparities.
The case went to court in Cole County Circuit Court in 2007. Judge Richard Callahan ruled the Missouri Constitution does not guarantee absolute equity or adequacy in dollars available to all schools.
What’s next
After hearing arguments on Monday, it will now be up to the Missouri Supreme Court to decide if the way Missouri funds schools is appropriate.
While the districts wait, the foundation formula is going into its fourth year of the seven year phase-in.
The total cost of the lawsuit has cost for Missouri taxpayers over $6 million in legal expenses. Dr. Jerry Giger, superintendent of Rolla Public Schools, had stated previously the cost to the district was about $24,000. He added the cost should not rise since the lawsuit has reached the Missouri Supreme Court.
Districts are waiting on the Court’s decision.
