Closing arguments have concluded in the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Missouri’s school funding formula. But that does not mean a decision on this matter is just around the corner.
Attorney Alex Bartlett, who represents 236 school districts questioning the adequacy and equity of the formula, says we are really only at the end of a preliminary phase of the trial. He says several written briefs and proposed judgments must still be submitted to Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan who will have a lot to consider before issuing a ruling.
Those written documents will be presented to the judge over the course of the next few weeks. So, no ruling is expected before late May or June.
Bartlett expects an appeal – no matter how the judge rules. So this issue will not be settled for some time.
