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Hamilton County school board amends lawsuit over state funding

Donna Horn, right, speaks Thursday as George Ricks Sr., center, and Superintendent Rick Smith listen during the Hamilton County School Board meeting about their vote to ask the county commission in May for a $34 million budget boost.
Donna Horn, right, speaks Thursday as George Ricks Sr., center, and Superintendent Rick Smith listen during the Hamilton County School Board meeting about their vote to ask the county commission in May for a $34 million budget boost. Donna Horn, right, speaks Thursday as George Ricks Sr., center, and Superintendent Rick Smith listen during the Hamilton County School Board meeting about their vote to ask the county commission in May for a $34 million budget boost.

By Kendi A. Rainwater 3 min read

photo Contributed photo. Scott Bennett, the board attorney for Hamilton, Bradley and other school systems.

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Hamilton County school board members amended their lawsuit against the state of Tennessee over what they call inadequate funding for a free and equal education for all students.

The amended lawsuit was accepted by a judge on Aug. 6, despite the State’s objection.

Seven Tennessee school boards are a part of the lawsuit filed in March, which claims that Tennessee’s Basic Education Program – known as the BEP – does not cover the true cost of running a school or employing teachers and deprives students of the education they are entitled to by law.

The state made a motion to dismiss the lawsuit in April, saying the complaint has no merit. A judge will hear the dismissal motion and the school boards’ request to grant class-action status Aug. 28.