Education Law Center
Newsletter | November 2014
ELC Files Landmark School Funding Litigation

The Education Law Center-PA and the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia are representing six school districts, seven parents, the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools and the NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference in a lawsuit against legislative leaders, state education officials, and the Governor for failing to uphold the General Assembly's constitutional obligation to provide a "thorough and efficient" system of public education.

Parents and petitioners Jamella and Bryant Miller address the media following the filing of the school funding litigation on Nov. 10, 2014. 
photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Inquirer


"My child is in classes with too many other students and she has no access to tutoring services or support from paraprofessionals, but our elected officials still expect and require her to pass standardized tests," said Jamella Miller, parent of 11-year-old K.M., a student in the William Penn School District. "How are kids supposed to pass the tests required to graduate high school, find a job and contribute to our economy if their schools are starving for resources?"

According to the complaint, state officials have adopted an irrational school funding system that does not deliver the essential resources students need and discriminates against children based on where they live and the wealth of their communities.


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Please consider making a contribution to the Education Law Center in support of our work on behalf of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable students.
 
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ELC Supports New School Stability Legislation

The Education Law Center supports the new school stability legislation introduced by Sen. Pat Browne on Nov. 12, 2014. The bill would improve education outcomes for children in foster care and those experiencing homelessness.

"This legislation would ensure school stability for highly mobile students in foster care who often lack stable living arrangements. In addition, the legislation would improve access to high school diplomas for students in care and others who satisfy state graduation requirements but are unable to obtain a diploma because of multiple school moves," said ELC Senior Staff Attorney Maura McInernery.

"We're pleased our state legislature is addressing this important issue. We worked closely on this bill with our colleagues at the Juvenile Law Center, and with Senator Browne and his staff," she added.
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