Lawsuit seeks changes in California school funding

(From the AP) Groups representing low-income families sued the state of California Monday in the second major legal action alleging the government is failing to adequately fund public education. The complaint was filed in Alameda County Superior Court by a coalition of parents, nonprofit advocacy groups and students representing low-income families.

The plaintiffs allege the state’s school finance system is unconstitutional because it fails to provide a quality education to all students, noting California ranks near the bottom nationally in academic achievement, per-pupil funding and student-teacher ratios.

“I am here today because I don’t believe the students at my school are receiving the quality education they deserve,” said plaintiff Yesenia Ochoa, an incoming senior at John O’Connell Technical High School in San Francisco, where budget cuts have led to teacher layoffs, larger classes and a shortened school year.

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