Closing arguments expected today in school finance lawsuit

Closing arguments are expected to be heard today in the lawsuit in which nearly two-thirds of Texas school districts, including HPISD, challenged the constitutionality of the state's school finance system.  The suit was filed in December of 2011, and the February 2013 decision found that the state is not fulfilling its constitutional duty to fund its public education. State District Judge John Dietz also said funds are being distributed unfairly, with lower-wealth districts at a disadvantage. The final ruling was withheld, however, pending the Legislature's 2013 regular session. The Legislature cut funding for public education by $5.4 billion in 2011. In 2013, the Legislature put $3.4 billion back into public education, and lawmakers approved changes to charter school policy, high school curriculum and graduation and testing requirements, all of which were covered in testimony during the original trial. After a June hearing on the matter, Dietz decided to reopen evidence in the case, which is expected to make its way to the Texas Supreme Court. We will keep you informed about the lawsuit's impact on HPISD. Click HERE to read Superintendent Dr. Dawson Orr's column on the February court decision.