Gov. Gregoire�s statement on education funding lawsuit decision

For Immediate Release: February 4, 2010

OLYMPIA - Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement regarding the King County Superior Court�s decision on the statewide school funding case, McCleary v. State of Washington:

�Improving the quality of our schools and the education system has been, and remains, the top priority of our state. I agree with the court that we have a duty to provide a high quality education to our children.

"Working with my staff and the Attorney General�s Office, I will be reviewing this decision to determine where we go from here.

"Last year we passed significant legislation that would institute major funding reforms to ensure the necessary resources and programs to help every student succeed. That work must continue.

"Regardless of whether this decision is upheld, I will continue working with the legislature to improve school accountability, close the achievement gap and ensure we provide our children opportunities for success in the global marketplace in which they will be competing. The legislative process is the best avenue we have available to determine those components.

"Right now there is legislation being considered that would reform our education system. In light of this decision, I think it�s even more important that we pass these proposals that will put us in a better position to improve educational opportunities for every student in our state.�