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The Leandro Lawsuit was filed by five low-wealth counties (Hoke, Halifax, Robeson, Vance, and Cumberland) against the State of North Carolina under the claim that North Carolina has failed to provide adequate educational opportunities for students in these poorer counties.
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The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, concluded that every child in North Carolina has a constitutional right to a "sound basic education."
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It was found that North Carolina had failed to provide a sound education in Hoke County. The deficiencies were found in lack of qualified teachers and lack of adequate resources and curriculum.
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Judge Lee approved of a plan that would expand access to early childhood education, improve the quality of teachers and principles, increase school funding, strengthen assessment systems, provide support for underserved students, and ensure high quality and up to date resources.
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Only $860 Million from the ordered $1.75 Billion went towards funding the Leandro plan. The order was sent back to the court of appeals which ruled that Judge Lee had no right to order the funds. The case headed to the Supreme Court.
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Judge Lee ordered a direct transfer of $1.75 billion from the state’s General Fund to education agencies to pay for the first two years of the WestEd 8 year plan.
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The NC Supreme Court rules in a 4–3 decision that the courts can enforce funding transfers to ensure the sound basic education as its a constitutional right.
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After elections, the Supreme Court flipped over to be Republican majority. The new majority reconsiders the 2022 decision and is signaling less support for court-ordered funding.