There is an inherent promise in public education. It exists to prepare our children, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, to be part of a civil society – and, even more importantly, fulfill their individual potential. While public education was designed for everyone, unfortunately, different policies and laws have made it harder for underserved regions to get the school funding they deserve. This not only impacts the students who attend those schools, but the communities in which they and their families reside.

Every child can learn. But our school districts must have the necessary funds to support educational programs to ensure this happens.

Communities Fight Back

Luckily, some are fighting against these widespread funding discrepancies. In 2014, a group of Pennsylvania school districts, parents, students, and organizations like the Education Law Center and the Public Interest Law Center sued the state, arguing that the state's current educational funding policies, which results in inequitable distribution of public education dollars, violated students' rights. In February 2023, almost one year after the trial ended, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania issued its decision. In a nearly 800-page decision, they agreed with the plaintiffs that current school funding policies interfere with each student's fundamental right to an education, which is promised under the state constitution.

This is a victory for children who live in under-resourced communities, as well as those who live with intellectual and physical disabilities. And now that the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania has ruled that the state must address funding disparities, as well as existing achievement gaps, in order to rectify the situation. With this ruling in place, each student should be afforded “a meaningful opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and civically,” through a modern and effective public education system.

Understanding Your Rights

Unfortunately, this ruling does not specifically outline how the state should fix the inequities within the public education system – but it does shine a light on issues that should have been addressed years ago. It also means the onus is on school districts to ensure they are providing every student with a meaningful opportunity to succeed.

If your child is a student in the state of Pennsylvania and is not receiving the educational services necessary to provide that meaningful opportunity to succeed, LLF Law Firm and the Student Defense Team can help. We are well-versed in public school issues – and also have extensive experience in dealing with policies, procedures, and protocols that can make it hard to navigate the public education system.

As the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled, your student has a right to an effective public education. That right should never be denied. When you retain LLF Law Firm and the Student Defense Team, they can help you manage any issues you are facing in a way that will protect your students' rights, making it more likely they will harness the promise of public education.

To learn more, contact LLF Law Firm and the Student Defense Team at (888) 535-3686 today.