With Judge John Dietz’ school finance ruling in West Orange Cove vs. Neeley litigation in September 2004, the state opened a new chapter in Texas school funding debates that would reverberate for public education and our children.

District Court Demands Increased State Investment – All Our Children Deserve an Excellent, Equitable Education
Statement by Dr. María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel, IDRA Executive Director
“With Judge John Dietz’ school finance ruling in West Orange-Cove vs. Neeley litigation this past week, the state opens a new chapter in Texas school funding debates that will reverberate for public education and our children. In analyzing this decision, we must look beyond the rush and hype, beyond the bold-face type about ‘Robin Hood’s’ fate. We must look more deeply at how this suit came about, what Judge Dietz’ ruling actually said, and, most critically, what this might mean for equity and for the future of Texas children…” See the full statement

MALDEF Celebrates Victory for Equity in Texas School Finance Litigation
A Statement by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
“By trial end, the property-wealthy districts conceded the need for equity components in any school finance system. ‘MALDEF is very pleased with today’s ruling,’ said MALDEF President and General Counsel Ann Marie Tallman. ‘It reaffirms the fundamental principle that all children, regardless of where their parents can afford to live, are entitled to a quality education.’” See the full statement

Brief summary of the Dietz decision: Round Six and Holding – The State District Court Ruling in West Orange-Cove vs. Neeley
by Albert Cortez, Ph.D.
“Judge Dietz acknowledged that current state taxing provisions do not provide property poor school districts with sufficient revenues to meet state requirements. He cited pages of evidence of the impact of the state funding system on local school operations and facilities, indicating that these focus districts are representative of districts all over the state.” Read full story