California Sued Over Bond Program
California is being sued over a bond program that allegedly favors wealthy school districts in terms of funding for facility repairs.
The lawsuit, filed by a public-interest law firm, claims that the state's building aid formula perpetuates inequalities for students in low-wealth communities.
The state's reliance on local property taxes in districts with vastly different abilities to finance school facility renovations is at the heart of this issue.
- Wealthy districts receive more funding, allowing them to have modern facilities, including science labs and auditoriums.
- Property-poor districts, which disproportionately enroll low-income students, English learners, and minority students, are left with rundown schools.
This results in unequal learning conditions for students in different districts.
Author's summary: California sued for unfair school funding.