Incidence and Outcomes of School Finance Litigation: 1968-2021

This article discusses the prevalence of school finance court cases, which have occurred in all but two states. In these cases, plaintiffs challenge the constitutionality of the current funding formula under state constitutions, while defendants advocate for the maintenance of the existing financing system. By thoroughly compiling and analyzing these cases, we can gain a clear understanding of their nature, the outcomes, and the long-term impact on school funding. Notably, defendants secure a slight majority of the rulings, with their victories occurring most often in states with low spending and low academic achievement. Although plaintiffs tend to achieve victories that result in immediate funding increases, these gains do not translate into sustained growth in school spending over time.