Rural Children, Rural Schools, and Public School Funding Litigation: A Real Problem in Search of a Real Solution

Because rural schools lack the political influence of wealthier metropolitan area schools, rural schools are frequently placed at a disadvantage by state funding systems created through the legislative process. Consequently, they often fail to obtain adequate funding for their schools. Lacking the political power to achieve relief through the legislative process, rural school advocates have turned to litigation to obtain remedies. This article reviews litigation brought by advocates for rural schools since Serrano v. Priest, examines judicial responses to this litigation, and concludes with a discussion of the current and future status of funding litigation concerning rural schools.