Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

In Arizona, battle continues over funding system

In July 1994, the Arizona Supreme Court handed down a ruling that rocked the state's education establishment.

The court threw out the school funding system, saying it violated the Arizona constitution's guarantee of a "general and uniform school system."

Differences in real estate wealth among districts have caused major disparities in school facilities. Those disparities led several districts and parents to sue the state, charging it wasn't living up to its constitutional responsibility.

The court agreed, and directed the Legislature to draw up a fairer plan.

Part of the problem, says Tim Hogan, director of the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest, which pressed the suit, was that some voters refused to pass bond measures.

"We've got places where the electorate wouldn't approve bonds if their lives depended on it," Hogan says

Reluctant voters exacerbated the inequality in district wealth.

Some wealthy districts, Hogan says, have all the best equipment, including expensive computers, well-stocked libraries and indoor swimming pools. One high school, he says, even has a domed stadium.

"On the other end," Hogan says, "you have schools that are just plain falling apart. Some ought to be bulldozed. Some have libraries that consist of a bookshelf in the hall.

"Our constitution says there is a general and uniform school system. We said this is not general and uniform."

After much "foot-dragging," Hogan says, the Arizona Legislature finally passed a bill last month to address the issue.

Hogan calls the bill, which earmarks $30 million for school building in low-wealth districts, "laughably inadequate."

The Legislature's own study found $800 million in unmet needs and $50 million to $100 million in needed emergency health and safety measures.

As a result, Hogan says, the parties to the suit will be returning to court.

"We may ask that the court order the Legislature to appropriate the funds."

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