Decision On Small City School Districts’ Lawsuit Expected Soon

The court case that alleges the state has failed to provide a sound basic education for Utica and seven other small-city school districts is nearing its conclusion.

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi says a decision is expected soon from State Supreme Court Justice Kimberly O'Connor.

Brindisi says the state's argument that providing more funding will not help minority and at-risk students is "disingenuous at best."

If Utica and other high needs districts had adequate funding, they would not have class sizes in the mid-30’s, and could provide more services for their large population of English Language Learners and students with disabilities,” Brindisi said.

He say instead of waiting for the courts' decision and the inevitable appeals, the best solution would be for the state legislature to step in and make changes to the state's funding formulas.