Education Systems Continue To Sue The State

Hamilton County education officials have voted to sue the state over its formula to fund schools.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports the Board of Education voted 8-1 Thursday night to sue over the Basic Education Program, which is how the state determines funding for public school systems. It joins other districts including Polk, Bradley, Marion and Coffee.
Meanwhile, Metro Nashville Public Schools decided on Tuesday to wait at least 30 days before actively considering a lawsuit.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has said he will try to meet with the state’s four largest school districts as early as this week to discuss funding issues. He has said his proposed budget provides $100 million for teacher pay raises and nearly $50 million to help the state’s Basic Education Program.
Hamilton County education officials say the state doesn’t provide enough funding for a multitude of expenses, including pay and health insurance for teachers.
“The state has simply chosen to ignore their own laws,” said D. Scott Bennett, the attorney for the Hamilton County Department of Education. He said children are guaranteed a free K-12 education by the state Constitution.