The Philadelphia Inquirer: How Will Pa. Fix Its School Funding? New Jersey’s ‘Abbott’ Rulings Offer Lessons

Commonwealth Court Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer ruled that Pennsylvania has failed to uphold its constitutional obligation to provide adequate educational opportunities and resources to students across the state. Six school districts, four parents, and two statewide organizations originally sued the state in 2014 claiming that Pennsylvania's funding formula discriminates against students in low-income districts. Katrina Robson of O’Melveny & Myers LLP, who represents the petitioners, said that one of the lessons she learned was the “importance of getting in front of the court early with very specific information” about school districts' resources. Robson also noted that they “will use every legal tool at our disposal to ensure the fundamental right that now belongs to every child in Pennsylvania” is realized.

The Philadelphia Inquirer subscribers can read the full article here.