Opinion ID: 1384601
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: plaintiffs' motion to remand

Text: Before considering the merits we address the desirability of reviewing this case in light of events that have occurred since the appeal was commenced. While the case has been under consideration, the plaintiffs filed a motion to remand the case to the trial court for further reconsideration for two reasons. First, since the time that the action was commenced, the Legislature has amended the school financing statutes, and so the case does not reflect the current state of the law and its effect on the plaintiffs. Second, some of the student plaintiffs have graduated or their families have moved from the school districts; and because these plaintiffs no longer have a justiciable interest in this action, others should be substituted for them. Although this court may take cognizance of facts occurring during the pendency of an appeal which adversely affect the court's capacity to administer effective relief, [13] we decline to remand the case to the trial court for several reasons. First, this case involves a challenge to the State's system of financing public education and so presents an issue of great public interest and not merely the rights of private parties. Second, the legislative amendments have not greatly changed the basic system of funding nor equalized the amount of revenues per ADA available to each district; and so the primary issues still exist. Third, if other plaintiffs were substituted for those who have graduated or moved from the school districts, given the great number of children and parents involved, it is probable that changes would continue to occur. Fourth, these changes have not rendered the controversy moot and so have not affected our ability to administer effective relief if warranted.