School Finance Litigation: The Quest for Reform

December 2003 • Volume 1 • Issue 4

In June 2003, New York State’s highest court ruled that the state’s system of financing public education for New York City students was unconstitutional. Writing for the majority, Chief Judge Judith Kaye held that the state must provide New York City schoolchildren with “the opportunity for a meaningful high school education, one which prepares them to function productively as civic participants” (Campaign for Fiscal Equity, Inc. v. State of New York [CFE], 2003 N.Y. Slip Op. 15615, June 26, 2003, p. 12). While the court noted that its ruling was limited to New York City, it did point out that “the State may of course address Statewide issues if it chooses” (CFE, p. 47). As New York’s legislators and policymakers struggle to revamp the state’s highly complex funding system in response to this ruling, it follows in the footsteps of many other states.