ad·e·quate (ad'-e-kwit) adj. sufficient, satisfactory
The definition of adequate funding is simple: Adequate funding means schools have the resources to offer opportunities for all students to achieve up to the standard – leaving no child behind (for real this time).
NEA-Alaska and our partners have scored important legal victories for Alaska children as our school funding lawsuit, Moore vs. State of Alaska , moves through the courts. The final procedural hurdle has been crossed, clearing the way for a trial starting on October 2. Let's trace our path through the legal process and highlight our successes so far.
On August 9, 2004 , our coalition filed a complaint on behalf of students, parents, school districts, and educational organizations against the state, claiming that the state was violating its constitutional obligation to provide every child in Alaska an adequate education.
The coalition retained nationally respected experts to research and measure the level of funding necessary for all students to achieve up to standards. Their findings provide overwhelming documentation of the truth of our charges.
The state of Alaska responded with five attempts to derail our lawsuit. Superior Court Judge Sharon Gleason has ruled in our favor on each occasion and established important legal precedent in each ruling.
The state claimed NEA-Alaska had no legal “standing” to bring the complaint. The judge disagreed.
The state claimed that the court lacked jurisdiction because of the state's sovereign immunity. The judge disagreed.
The state claimed the Alaska Constitution does not guarantee school students a quality public education. The judge disagreed.
The state claimed the legislature has the right to determine “a constitutional floor with respect to educational adequacy and to determine if that constitutional floor is currently being met.” The judge disagreed.
These wins have been sweet, but our best days are yet to come. I am confident we will prevail in court. But winning will not automatically bring the additional resources schools need.
We will use the decision and the court of public opinion to compel legislators to fund schools adequately. Alaska children deserve a world-class educational system. Together we will make it happen.
