Trial To Determine If Florida Shortchanging Public Schools

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — A trial underway in Tallahassee will determine if Florida is shortchanging its public schools.

Education groups filed the lawsuit six years ago. It contends the state's Legislature and state officials have not provided enough money to the state's schools as required under a constitutional amendment passed in 1998.

The lawsuit cites the academic performance of minorities and students from poor families as proof that the state is failing its children. The lawsuit is challenging Florida's testing system and the system set up under former Gov. Jeb Bush.

Attorneys for the state have disputed the lawsuit but they have been unsuccessful to get it dismissed.

The non-jury trial could last as long as five weeks.

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