Court Opinion

ID: 9570832
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 20:26:49.395183+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:18:36.118053
License: Public Domain

Sprouse, Justice,
concurring:
I concur with the decision as expressed in the majority opinion. I differ, however, with that part of the decision which limits the distribution of free textbooks, workbooks, and other necessary materials to needy students. Article XII, Section 1, of the West Virignia Constitution provides: “The legislature shall provide, by general law, for a thorough and efficient system of free schools.” I cannot interpret “free” as pertaining only to indigent pupils. The first rule in ascertaining the meaning of words in a constitution is to give effect to plain meaning of such words. State ex rel. Browning v. Blankenship, 154 W. Va. 253, 175 S.E.2d 172. Where meaning of a word used in a constitution is plain, it is not necessary to resort to extrinsic evidence to determine its meaning. Foster v. Cooper, W. Va., 186 S.E.2d 837 *94(1972). See also, Crockett v. Andrews, 153 W. Va. 714, 172 S.E.2d 384 (1970).
The record in the instant case disclosed that the Pendleton County school system was in effect supplying free school material to all students. For this reason, I concur in denying the writ of mandamus. It is clear to me, however, that where state constitutions contain language providing for free schools, such as Article XII, Section 1, of the West Virginia Constitution, that this means free schools for students of all economic classes. Paulson v. Minidoka County School District, 93 Idaho 469, 463 P.2d 935; Bond v. Public Schools of Ann Arbor School District, 383 Mich. 693, 178 N.W.2d 484; Granger v. Cascade County School District, 159 Mont. 516, 499 P.2d 780.
I am authorized to state that Justice Haden joins in this concurring opinion.