Curtain Goes Up on Proposal to Overhaul Alabama Schools

By Millicent Lawton

The plaintiffs and defendants in Alabama's educational-equity lawsuit have filed a court-ordered joint proposal that could require up to $1 billion in additional spending a year to address inequities and inadequacies in the state school system.

Supporters said the wide array of reforms in the package--including equalized funding, academic rigor, accountability, and better buildings, buses, and books--would put Alabama in the forefront of systemic school improvement.

"I believe through this proposed court order and remedy plan ... Alabama leadership has the best opportunity we've had in decades to do what is right for all the children of this state,'' said Superintendent...