Plano ISD Board of Trustees
Joins School Finance Lawsuit

November 17, 2011

At their November 15 meeting, members of the Plano ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to join with other Texas public school districts in a lawsuit against the State of Texas.

The school board passed a resolution retaining the services of Haynes and Boone, LLP, in its efforts to challenge the state school finance system. The district asserts that the current system and level of funding impair the education available to students within the district, as well as the ability of the district to provide adequate education to students.

“On the heels of recent reductions in district services and staff, and as the state introduces a new accountability system, Plano ISD is committed to continue providing the excellent education our community expects and our children deserve,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Otto. “Precedent shows that the state only allocates more funding for education as a result of court action.”

The school board authorized the expenditure of public funds for this effort. Dr. Otto stated, “We anticipate our annual contribution to the lawsuit to be approximately $60,000, resulting from a charge of $1 per WADA that participating districts will pay.” In a previous lawsuit, a judgment in favor of the school districts allowed Plano ISD to recover 88% of its legal fees.

Plano ISD expects the lawsuit could provide new funds from the state, resulting in a renewed ability to provide a quality education. “We will join with our fellow districts in pursuit of an adequate funding system for Plano ISD and all Texas school children. While I am pleased that our district has navigated the choppy waters of the school finance system thus far, a permanent funding solution for public education in Texas is long overdue,” said Plano ISD School Board President Tammy Richards.

School districts across the state continue to join in this legal action. The lawsuit is expected to be filed before the end of the year.