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McCleary 101

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McCleary refers to a 2012 Washington Supreme Court Decision where the Court ordered the state to fully fund K-12 public schools as required by Article IX of the Washington Constitution:

“It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders, without distinction or preference on account of race, color, caste, or sex.”

In McCleary, the Supreme Court ruled that the Legislature had failed to fulfill its constitutional obligation to our students. The court also retained jurisdiction in the case and ordered the state to report back on its progress in complying with the court’s order.

Two years later, the court found the Legislature in contempt for its failure to establish a plan for fully funding K-12 public education by 2018.

Want to read the whole decision? http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/843627.opn.pdf

Here is a helpful fact sheet.