Raleigh, NC – A broad coalition of parents, educators, and over 50 North Carolina organizations are pressing for full implementation of the Comprehensive Leandro Plan, a court-ordered framework designed to adequately fund the state’s public school system. The push comes amid ongoing disputes over funding allocations and concerns that years of inaction are jeopardizing educational opportunities for students across the state.
The core of the dispute centers around the decades-long Leandro v. State of North Carolina case, initially filed in 1994 by families in five rural counties – Hoke, Halifax, Robeson, Vance, and Cumberland – who argued their children were not receiving a “sound basic education” as guaranteed by the state constitution. The North Carolina Supreme Court agreed, repeatedly affirming that all children have a constitutional right to a quality education, but implementation of a funding solution has been stalled for years. The current focus is on the Comprehensive Remedial Plan, which outlines a roadmap for improvement.
Every Child NC and Progress NC spearheaded a press conference this week to highlight what they call a failure by both the state Supreme Court and the General Assembly to fulfill their constitutional obligations. Susana Benites Chafloque stated, “The case Leandro has been going on for more than 30 years. Five rural families sued the state in 1994 because their children were not receiving an adequate basic education. The Supreme Court ruled in their favor and ordered the state to guarantee that education. Decades have passed and we are still waiting for them to comply.”
The Leandro Plan: A Multi-Billion Dollar Investment
The Comprehensive Leandro Plan, spanning from 2021 to 2028, calls for over $5.6 billion in latest investment to ensure all students, from kindergarten through 12th grade, receive a solid foundation. Currently, approximately $2 billion remains unfunded, according to advocates. The plan details specific areas for improvement, including expansion of early childhood education, increased teacher salaries and retention efforts, and the hiring of additional counselors, psychologists, and support staff. It also prioritizes increased resources for students with disabilities and English language learners, as well as additional funding for rural and low-income communities. A 2021 summary of the plan prepared for the Commission on Access to Sound Basic Education affirms the fundamental right of every child to a sound basic education, as established by the 1997 Supreme Court decision in Leandro v. State of North Carolina.
The plan’s development was informed by extensive analysis and recommendations from the educational consulting firm WestEd, as noted by Matthew Ellinwood, director of North Carolina Justice Center, to Enlace Latino NC. He explained, “The state has been found in violation of the constitution for not providing adequate resources to school districts to allow them to offer every child the opportunity to receive a quality basic education.”
Legal Challenges and Ongoing Disputes
The path forward remains uncertain as the North Carolina Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on February 22nd in the latest round of the Leandro funding dispute, as reported by the Carolina Journal. The arguments will focus on whether a lower court judge had the authority to order hundreds of millions of dollars in new education spending. A previous court order, blocking $677 million in additional education expenses, is also under review. The case is officially known as Board of Education of Hoke County v. State, though it is commonly referred to as Leandro.
The current legal battle highlights a partisan divide within the court. Republican justices are questioning the lower court’s jurisdiction, while Democratic justices disagree with the framing of the case, preferring to use the “Leandro” designation. This disagreement underscores the political complexities surrounding the implementation of the plan.
What’s Next for Leandro?
The Supreme Court’s decision on the issue of jurisdiction will be pivotal. If the court rules the lower court lacked authority, it could significantly delay or derail the full implementation of the Leandro Plan. If jurisdiction is affirmed, the state will be compelled to address the remaining $2 billion in unfunded commitments. The outcome will have far-reaching consequences for North Carolina’s public education system and the opportunities available to its students.
As the court prepares to hear arguments, stakeholders on both sides are mobilizing to make their case. Advocates for full funding emphasize the constitutional right to a sound basic education, while legislative leaders raise concerns about budgetary constraints and the scope of judicial authority. The resolution of this long-standing legal battle will shape the future of education funding in North Carolina for years to arrive.
What are your thoughts on the Leandro Plan and its potential impact on North Carolina schools? Share your comments below and help spread the word about this important issue.
