On March 24th, 2010, BPI and its pro bono partner, Sidley Austin, filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state's current school funding system.

On January 7, 2011, the Circuit Court of Sangamon County (Springfield) granted the State's motion to dismiss BPI plaintiffs' claim that the State's school funding system violates the Equal Protection clause of the Illinois Constitution.

On May 13, 2011, BPI and its legal counsel, Sidley Austin, filed an Appeal Brief in the Fourth District Appellate Court challenging the trial court's ruling.  At the same time, West Aurora School District 129 and its counsel, Perkins Coie, filed an Amicus brief in support of the appeal.

The State's Response Brief is due 35 days after the filing of the Appeal Brief.

• Click here to view the press release
•  Click here to view an FAQ regarding the BPI/Sidley school funding lawsuit
• Click here to view the Complaint
• Click here to view the plaintiff and property-poor district comparisons

Added January 2011:

• Click here to view the Response Brief to the motion to dismiss
• Click here to view Amicus Brief Exhibit A
• Click here to view Amicus Brief Exhibit B
• Click here to view Amicus Brief Exhibit C

 

View news coverage here:

Chicago Tribune 3.24.10

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Chicago Sun-Times Editorial 3.24.10

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 WTTW - Chicago Tonight Video 3.24.10

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Daily Herald 3.24.10

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