State Supreme Court hearing on school case is lively

  • Tuesday, June 28, 2011 4:32pm
  • News

OLYMPIA — An engaged and prepared state Supreme Court sat behind the bench today to hear arguments concerning the state’s obligation to pay for public school education.

Every justice asked at least one question and the tribunal barely gave the attorneys a chance to present any of their prepared remarks.

Many of the questions concerned whether the Legislature has made any progress lately in improving the way the state pays for basic education.

Assistant Attorney General Bill Clark says lawmakers have made a lot of progress in their reform efforts.

Thomas Ahearne, who represents a coalition of school districts, teachers and community groups led by Mike Blair, former Chimacum schools superintendent, said the work of the Legislature is all talk and studies and no action.

The Supreme Court is expected to spend months thinking about the case before making a ruling sometime this fall or winter.

More in News

School measures, fire district propositions passing

Port Townsend and Brinnon school district measures were passing… Continue reading

Port of Port Townsend Harbormaster Kristian Ferrero, right, watches as a crew from Seattle Global Diving and Salvage work to remove a derelict catamaran that was stuck in the sand for weeks on a beach at the Water Front Inn on Washington Street in Port Townsend. The boat had been sunk off of Indian Point for weeks before a series of storms pushed it to this beach last week. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Derelict boat removal

Port of Port Townsend Harbormaster Kristian Ferrero, right, watches as a crew… Continue reading

Rob Birman has served as Centrum’s executive director for 14 years. When the arts nonprofit completes its search for its next leader, Birman will transition into a role focused on capital fundraising and overseeing capital projects for buildings Centrum oversees. (Centrum)
Centrum signs lease to remain at Fort Worden for next 35 years

Executive director will transition into role focused on fundraising

Clallam approves contracts with several agencies

Funding for reimbursement, equipment replacement

Mark and Linda Secord have been named Marrowstone Island Citizens of the Year for 2025.
Secords named Marrowstone Island citizens of year

Mark and Linda Secord have been chosen as Marrowstone… Continue reading

The members of the 2026 Rhody Festival royalty are, from left, Princess Payton Frank, Queen Lorelei Turner and 2025 Queen Taylor Frank. The 2026 queen was crowned by the outgoing queen during a ceremony at Chimacum High School on Saturday. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Rhody coronation

The members of the 2026 Rhody Festival royalty are, from left, Princess… Continue reading

Jefferson considering new site for solid waste

Commissioners direct further exploration

Public feedback still shaping Clallam ordinance on RV usage

Community Development department set to move sections of its proposal

Jen Colmore, Sequim Food Bank’s community engagement coordinator, has been hired as the executive director. She will start in her new role after outgoing director Andra Smith starts as executive director of the Washington Food Coalition later this month. (Sequim Food Bank)
Sequim Food Bank hires new executive director

Sequim organization tabs engagement coordinator

Sara Nicholls, executive director of the Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic, also known as the Sequim Free Clinic, inspects food items that are free to any patient who needs them. Soroptimist International of Sequim sponsors the food pantry, she said. (Austin James)
Sequim Free Clinic to celebrate 25th year

Volunteer-driven nonprofit will reach quarter-century mark in October

Weekly flight operations scheduled

Field carrier landing practice operations will take place for aircraft… Continue reading

“Angel” Alleacya Boulia, 26, of St. Louis, Mo., was last seen shopping in Port Angeles on Nov. 17, National Park Service officials said. Her rented vehicle was located Nov. 30 at the Sol Duc trailhead in Olympic National Park. (National Park Service)
Body of missing person found in Sol Duc Valley

Remains believed to be St. Louis woman