KC district loses charter school funding appeal

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri Supreme Court has rejected the Kansas City school district's challenge to the way charter schools are funded in the state.

The Kansas City School District sued over a 2005 law that provides for direct state funding of charter schools.

Previously, the state paid public school districts, which then paid charter schools for their students attending there.

The Kansas City district argued the new method is unconstitutional because it creates an unfunded mandate on local schools.

In its ruling Tuesday, the Missouri Supreme Court unanimously upheld a district court ruling rejecting the district's argument.

Charter school attorney Khristine Heisinger says the schools are pleased.