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Wednesday, September 6, 2006
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Nature of the Case

Constitutional challenge under Texas State Constitution to inadequate school financing system (Article VII§ 1); remedy.

Enforcement of the Decision and Outcomes

Enforcement and other outcomes Following the decision, the Texas legislature had difficulty reaching consensus. A court appointed master developed an alternative reform plan, and consensus was finally reached. There were several other challenges to the various public school financing systems subsequently adopted by Texas. Most recently, in November 2004, in West Orange-Cove Consolidated ISD v Neeley, the Texas Supreme Court struck down the state’s school funding system, finding that it had evolved into an unconstitutional property tax (source: www.schoolfunding.info.news/litigation ). The Court set a deadline for legislative action for 1 June 2006. The decision is being appealed by Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF).

Significance of the Case

This litigation continued the struggle begun in San Antonio ISD v Rodriguez (411 US 1 (1973)) [GET LINK TO ENTRY ON DATABASE]. The ruling is an example of a State court outlining the substantive level of education guaranteed by the education provisions of a state constitution.

Groups Involved in the Case

Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. 110 Broadway Suite #300 San Antonio, TX 78205 Phone: 210-224-5476 Fax: 210-224-5382 http://www.maldef.org David G. Hall, Attorney, Executive Director, Texas Rural Legal Aid, Inc., 300 South Texas Boulevard, Weslaco, TX 78596, Tel. (956) 968?9574] http://www.trla.org Edgewood Independent School District 5358 W. Commerce St. San Antonio, TX. 78237 Tel: (210) 444-4500/444-4548 http://www.eisd.net/