January 5, 2012
History has been made today, great history that will benefit the children of our state–for generations.
The Washington State Supreme court hit a home run of an opinion today when they essentially affirmed the strong lower court ruling by Judge John Erlick, which declared that the State had failed to fund basic education in a manner consistent with its paramount constitutional duty.
In the ruling, the Supreme Court recognizes the importance of the landmark education reform law 2261, which redefined basic education (including, for the first time, a commitment to college and career-ready graduation requirements) and called for the complete implementation of 2261 with the funding fully phased-in by 2018.
Very significantly, the court retained jurisdiction over the issue going forward. In the late 1970’s, that did not happen. The court learned from the past and this time said it will stay involved to make sure that timely progress occurs. They expressed, in very eloquent terms, that all children of our state have a constitutional right to educational opportunity and that the Court has a role to make sure–this time around–that the adults deliver for the kids.
This is a huge ruling. Historic! It will and should cause the Governor and the legislature to pause and regroup as they think about the budget. Funding for the phase-in of 2261 needs to start, and it cannot be contingent on new revenues. No more punting. Education really is the paramount duty.
Thank you, Supreme Court Justices for doing justice today. The children of Washington will be better because of your ruling.
Click here to read the opinion from the court.