Written School Finance Ruling Expected Monday
Save Email Print
Updated: 6:13 PM Oct 3, 2004
Written School Finance Ruling Expected Monday
A written ruling was expected Monday in the lawsuit that led an Austin district judge to declare key portions of the state’s school finance system unconstitutional.
Posted: 9:30 AM Oct 4, 2004
Font Size:

State District Judge John Dietz’s written ruling was expected Monday in the lawsuit that led him to declare portion’s of the state’s share-the-wealth school finance system unconstitutional.

Dietz ruled portions of the system unconstitutional on Sept. 15 after six weeks of testimony in lawsuit joined by hundreds of Texas school districts, rich and poor.

In an oral order, the judge said the state must stop funding education within one year if the 2005 Legislature doesn't find a solution.

Attorneys representing the state argued that the Texas system meets
constitutional educational requirements and changing school finance
falls to the Legislature.

Buck Wood, who represents property-poor districts, said there
are no school district's on the state's side.

Click Here For Texas Education Agency Web Site

Click Here For Equity Center Web Site

Here are a few key numbers attorneys referred to during the trial:

Number of public school districts in Texas: 1,037.
Number of public school students in Texas: 4.3 million
Overall state and local portion Texas education budget: $28 billion
Percent from local property taxes: 62 percent
Percent of districts at the $1.50 property tax rate cap: 48 percent
Number of students educated in those at-the-cap districts: 2.3 million

Video
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Boss of the Month
Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month!
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
Army Way
Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Emergency Room Nurse - Join Metroplex Health System in Killeen as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. Metroplex offers a very competitive hourly wage, comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans. A new pay scale went in to effect in October 09! Join Metroplex in extending the healing ministry of Christ.

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com:
View More Jobs.
AP Video