MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Shelby County Board of Education is suing the state of Tennessee, accusing it of failing to fully fund the county's public schools.
Multiple media outlets report that the lawsuit was filed Monday in Davidson County. According to the complaint, the state has withheld funds and disproportionately hurt children in impoverished areas.
The lawsuit highlights hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts the board was forced to make over the last several years, leading to increased class sizes, fewer teachers, deteriorating facilities and overall poor-performing schools.
The board is seeking a judgment that the funding level is unconstitutional.
Board attorney Valerie Spekman says the goal of the lawsuit is to change the formula used to determine public school allocations.
A state attorney general's office spokesperson said the office was reviewing the complaint Monday.