Six school districts, Philadelphia parents, the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools
Ted Kirsch released the following statement to the media in support of the plaintiffs.
“Across the state, our students have been suffering for far too long. Overcrowded classrooms, a lack of nurses and guidance counselors, no art or music – these are just a few examples of the disastrous impact of Gov. Corbett’s cuts to education funding.
“Pennsylvania needs a full and fair funding formula to ensure that all children, regardless of where they live or the wealth of their communities, are offered the same educational opportunities.
“It is encouraging to see civil rights groups stand alongside school districts and parents to call for a change. They are right to call for change, but our children can’t wait.
“Pennsylvania is one of only three states without a statewide education funding formula. State legislators have the ability to fix that. We are calling on our newly elected officials to develop and pass a state funding formula quickly.”
Plaintiffs asked the Commonwealth Court to rule on whether the legislature is "supporting a 'thorough and efficient system of public education' as mandated by the state constitution and are seeking a court order to force the legislature to comply with the constitution.