GOP legislators are being briefed this week on a possible settlement to a lawsuit over school funding in Arizona Public School after years of legal battles.
K-12 public school districts alleged the state did not fully fund a voter-approved inflation formula. A coalition of school districts and several other organizations took matters into their own hands, suing for $336 million that’s owed them.
A gag order from the court prevents either side from talking to the media about negotiations.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas said she doesn’t have the details yet.
“I look forward to seeing it and hopefully we’re, they’ve come to an agreement that will work for everybody,” Douglas said.
Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives are expected to be briefed on the deal Monday and Tuesday.
Gov. Doug Ducey’s office released a statement regarding the funding issue: “Following talks our office initiated with leaders in the legislature and the education community several weeks ago, a solution to the education funding lawsuit was negotiated late last week.”
The statement goes on to say that Ducey’s goal is to get this money to kids and teachers as soon as possible.
A special session of the state legislature may be called by the end of the week to discuss the settlement.