FROM: Equity Center

School Finance Lawsuit Assigned to Judge Dietz

(AUSTIN, TX) - The Texas Taxpayer & Student Fairness Coalition lawsuit (filed October 11, 2011) has been assigned to The Honorable John K. Dietz. Judge Dietz presides over the 250th Judicial District Civil Court in Travis County. Judge Dietz was also assigned to the other three plaintiff groups that have filed suit on behalf of Texas school districts.

As the presiding judge for the lawsuit, Judge Dietz will handle all pre-trial, trial, and post-judgment proceedings. Having presided over the last school finance lawsuit (West Orange-Cove, II), Judge Dietz has a comprehensive understanding of the Texas school finance system.

Lead counsel for the Coalition, Rick Gray, said, “We’re pleased that the legal process is well underway and we look forward to working with Judge Dietz on this case.” Gray also said he expects the attorneys for the four plaintiff groups to meet with Judge Dietz in the coming weeks to discuss the timeline and procedural schedule for the case.

The Texas Taxpayer & Student Fairness Coalition represents 380+ school districts with more than 1.2 million students statewide, in addition to individual parents and taxpayers.

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