AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas districts going to trial in a sweeping school finance case say their concerns are not just about money.
But the $5.4 billion in public education cuts approved by Texas lawmakers in 2011 will certainly be a focal point.
The trial starts Monday in Austin. It involves lawsuits filed on behalf of about two-thirds of school districts statewide.
They argue that budget cuts have come amid soaring enrollment driven by low-income students that are more expensive to educate.
Also, Texas has imposed tougher standardized tests. And schools say they cannot afford to adequately prepare students for them.
The districts say the school finance system is now so inefficient and inadequate that it violates the Texas Constitution.
The state says the system — while not perfect — is constitutional.
