On Tuesday, the Florida Board of Education wrapped up two days of meetings in Orlando with a discussion about a court case that could have a major impact on the state’s school system. The state board is one of the defendants in the case.
A North Florida non-profit group called Citizens for Strong Schools is suing the state Board of Education and leaders in Florida’s House and Senate. Those lawmakers are accused of violating the state constitution by failing to provide for adequate education of Florida students.
Board of Education attorney Judy Bone reminded members today that the state Supreme Court refused to hear arguments to dismiss the case, meaning it’s been sent back to the original Leon County judge.
“We know that no matter who wins, there will be an appeal and we expect it will go to the Supreme Court”, said Bone. “It will take years to resolve and the potential for these sort of suits, why they are so harmful is in essence if the plaintiffs win then a certain number of plaintiffs and the court dictates educational policy. And that’s why it’s so damaging.”
In court filings, Citizens for Strong Schools is asking the judge to force the Board to come up with a plan to fix the state’s school system that includes more funding, and to monitor the plan’s implementation.