Categories: School News

Ongoing Legal Battle Leaves NC Students Without Education Funding

News Summary

The Leandro case continues to affect 1.5 million public school students in North Carolina, with unresolved issues on educational funding rooted in a 1994 lawsuit. Despite court rulings affirming students’ rights, the state legislature’s inaction jeopardizes educational resources, particularly for disadvantaged groups. A recent Supreme Court ruling reaffirmed the state’s obligations, yet funding allocations remain unresolved. Allegations of corruption and ongoing legislative deadlocks bring further complications. Advocates push for the full implementation of the Leandro Plan to ensure equitable access to education.

Raleigh, North Carolina – The protracted legal battle over the Leandro case continues to leave approximately 1.5 million public school students in North Carolina without guaranteed funding for a basic education. The case, which has its roots in a lawsuit filed in 1994, has repeatedly highlighted the state’s failure to provide what the constitution mandates: a “sound basic” education.

Despite several victories in state courts affirming students’ educational rights, the accessible funding for public education remains elusive. Recent court rulings have upheld the necessity for the state to comply with constitutional education promises; however, legislative inaction persists, jeopardizing educational resources for many students, particularly those of color and from lower-income families.

Since 1997, every state court has recognized the violation of students’ rights in North Carolina, aligning with findings from a 2019 study by nonpartisan education researchers that revealed a regression in the educational system’s quality. Media coverage of the ongoing issues surrounding Leandro has been sparse, with the term “Leandro” appearing in only one major news story between January 1 and May 1, 2023. Additionally, no coverage has been reported in significant newspapers across major cities, including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Wilmington, or Asheville during this timeframe.

The state Legislature has come under fire for implementing austere budgets and low-quality privatization schemes, leading to declining test scores. These trends have been particularly pronounced among disadvantaged groups, increasing concerns over equitable access to education. Courts have mandated the development of a detailed plan for compliance as early as 2020, emphasizing the urgency for a sustainable solution.

In November 2021, a Superior Court judge ordered the full implementation of the Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan, intended to improve schools by 2028. Following a Supreme Court ruling in November 2022 that reaffirmed the state’s financial responsibility for implementing this plan, State Controller Nels Roseland declined to allocate necessary funds, claiming unresolved legal issues. This decision led to the Supreme Court halting funding transfers with plans for a re-hearing set for February 2024.

Further complicating matters, allegations of corruption have surfaced, with legislative leaders attempting to shift the case back to the Supreme Court following a recent shift to a 5-2 Republican majority. This has raised suspicions about potential collusion between legislative and judicial branches, as leaders have openly defied court mandates while acknowledging ongoing violations of student rights.

The financial implications of these legal battles are significant, with approximately $920 million allocated for private school vouchers, primarily benefitting wealthier households rather than public education. With community advocates rallying under the #IAmLeandro campaign, there is a growing call for the full funding and implementation of the Leandro Plan, which aims to secure universal access to pre-K education and effective classroom leadership.

As of April 2025, the North Carolina Supreme Court has yet to decide on the latest appeals concerning the state’s inaction on education funding. The ongoing legislative deadlock contradicts public calls for educational investment and accountability, raising serious concerns about the future of public education in North Carolina and the rights of its students.

The failure to adequately follow through on the Leandro case not only affects the educational opportunities of North Carolina students but also impacts the overall educational landscape, underscoring the critical need for timely action and substantial investment in the state’s education system.

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Author: HERE Asheville

HERE Asheville

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