A trial over whether Connecticut adequately funds its public schools has begun in Hartford.
A coalition of municipalities, education groups, parents and students sued in 2005, saying the state was violating the Connecticut constitution by not providing enough aid to municipalities to allow them to properly educate students. The coalition cited vast differences in test results between rich and poor towns.
State officials deny the claims.
The Connecticut Post reports the coalition's lawyer said in opening arguments Tuesday that school systems can't provide enough preschool or textbooks without adequate resources.
An assistant state attorney general acknowledged the achievement gap between wealthy and poor towns, but said more money doesn't necessarily lead to higher test scores.
The trial is scheduled to go into May.
