Arkansas court ends school-funding suit

State lawmakers are adequately funding public schools, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled Thursday in ending a long-running lawsuit.

The court cited the Legislature's additional spending in this year's session. It includes a $122 million increase in "per-student funding" _ a system in which money follows the child instead of being aimed at particular schools _ and $456 million from the state's surplus to pay for repairs to dilapidated school buildings.

The court singled out the Legislature's continuing review of its education efforts. A report last month by two court-appointed special masters concluded the framework for an improved education system existed, but constant review was needed.

Gov. Mike Beebe said he was pleased with the court's decision but acknowledged the need to continue efforts to review and improve the state's schools.

"Anybody who thinks we're through has missed the point. This is an ever-changing and evolving target that requires constant vigilance," the governor said.

A school district in eastern Arkansas sued the state in 1992, alleging that it didn't spend enough money on schools and that the money spent was distributed unfairly. Justices ruled against the state in 2002 and again in 2005.

Late last year, four school districts asked the court to maintain oversight, arguing that while the Legislature had appropriated extra money, it hadn't adequately addressed buildings, programs for non-English speakers and money for rapidly growing districts.

An attorney for one of those districts said he hopes the Legislature will still address problems he's raised with facilities funding and money for poor students. Little Rock School District attorney Chris Heller added, however, that he doesn't think another lawsuit is needed.

"I think we've made tremendous progress as a result of this case and I think the few remaining concerns we have about education are relatively small compared to what's been accomplished," Heller said.

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said the court's decision showed that the school reforms would help generations of Arkansans.

"The court has said yes, it's about spending more money and showing your commitment to education, but what's more important is how you spend it," McDaniel said.