In a bombshell ruling that comes as Olympia deals with a deep budget gap, King County Superior Court Judge John Erlick on Thursday held that Washington state is failing its constitutional mandate to adequately finance basic education for the state’s one million public school students.

The long-awaited decision came in a lawsuit brought by a group of school districts, parents, teachers and community leaders who asserted that the state relies too much on local special property tax levies to support the basics of K-12 education.  More than 30 years ago, the courts held that the Constitution’s reference to education being the state’s “paramount duty” means providing stable and ample financial support for the basics.
Erlick noted some progress, but concluded:

“This court is left with no doubt that under the state’s current financing system the state is failing in its constitutional duty to make ample for provision for the education of all children.”

There was no timetable for compliance, or a direct roadmap.  And Governor Gregoire said she and Attorney General Rob McKenna, with input from the Legislature, will decide whether to appeal.

The decision has no immediate pricetag for lawmakers to consider during this current budget-driven 60-day session. Legislators and the Governor are dealing with a projected shortfall of $2.6 billion.