Supreme Court Hears Arguments About Education Reform

Arkansas Supreme Court justices impatient with a slow-moving Legislature suggested today that some state funds could be redistributed to infuse the schools with needed cash. The state has asked the Supreme Court for more time for legislators to work up their own proposal. Lawyers for the Lake View School District class asked the high court at a hearing today to end some government funding until the school plan is developed. Constitutionally mandated functions -- such as public education -- would get top funding priority. State Attorney General Mike Beebe says he has the sense that members of the high court want to take quick action. The attorney general`s office has relayed an offer by Governor Huckabee to have the administration work with the court to fulfill its order, bypassing the Legislature. Justice Tom Glaze, at one point suggested that the court could order a redistribution of state spending to ensure adequate funding to schools. He says that what`s left could go to state agencies. Glaze says redistributing the money would be a more positive response than to shut down government. At one point in today`s hearing, Justice Donald Corbin told assistant attorney general Tim Gauger -- quote -- "I don`t want to run your schools, but I`m ready to do something. I`m ready to act." Another possibility suggested at today`s hearing was the appointment of a special master to ensure the state is making progress in reforming public education.