Leandro Timeline & Overview

LEANDRO TIMELINE & OVERVIEW

 May 1994: School boards from Hoke, Cumberland, Robeson, Halifax and Vance counties sue the state claiming that children in their systems do not receive the same educational opportunities as students in wealthier districts. The suit takes the name of the lead plaintiff, Robb Leandro, a student at Hoke  April 1996: The Court of Appeals dismisses the lawsuit, saying the state constitution does not guarantee equity or quality in public schools.  July 1997: The state Supreme Court overturns the Court of Appeals and restores the case. The Supreme Court rules that every child has a constitutional right to a "sound, basic education."  September 1999: The trial begins with Superior Court with Judge Howard Manning Jr. presiding.  Oct. 2000: Manning rules that the state system for school funding is adequate and constitutional but leaves open the question of funding to poorer districts. Manning rules that the state must provide pre-kindergarten programs for 4-year- olds who are at risk for academic failure. Students not performing at grade level on the state's ABC tests are not meeting the Leandro standard for receiving a sound basic education.  March 2001: Manning orders the state to come up with a plan to better serve students at risk for academic failure. He gives the state a year to come up with a plan to better address the problem.  April 2002: Manning rules that the responsibility of providing equal education to all students lies with the state. He orders the state to "remedy the Constitutional deficiency for those children who are not being provided the basic educational services" of competent, well-trained teachers, good principals and sufficient funding.  July 2002: The state appeals Manning's ruling to the state Supreme Court, challenging all parts of Manning's decisions.  Aug. 15, 2002: Manning gives the state 10 days to formulate a plan to explain how it will provide children in Hoke County a sound, basic education.  Aug. 22, 2002: The state Board of Education sends an assistance team to Hoke County to comply with Manning's Aug. 15 order.  Jan. 13, 2003: State lawyers challenge a court ruling that said students who perform poorly on achievement tests are not on track to get a sound, basic education. The lawyers ask the appeals court to overturn Manning's April 2002 order.  Manning identifies NC High Schools as the key area of weakness. Money is not the issue.

44 worst high schools spend $268m and 44 best spend $254 44 high schools in 2005 with composite less than 60% 62 high schools in 2006

Mannings 3 Requirements for effective school (2006):  Competent certified teachers  Competent principal – faculty feel empowered, leader not dictator  Resources to support the program