Taylor Lobato, 19, Goes to Trial in Colorado for Adequate Education Funding

A much-watched trial, Lobato v. State of Colorado, is under way to determine whether the state of Colorado’s formula for funding public schools adequately meets the needs of all students as required by the state’s constitution.

Taylor Lobato, currently a college student in Denver, was in high school when her parents joined a lawsuit charging that Colorado’s school financing formula is failing to provide a “thorough and uniform” public education system.

Taylor Lobato’s father, Anthony, has explained that he became aware of major disparities that existed among Colorado’s public schools when his daughter competed against wealthier schools on the debate team. “It opened our eyes to what’s out there for some kids and what poorer schools just don’t have,” he told the Denver Post.

The Lobatos are from Center, Colorado, a small ranching town.

Appearing in court to provide testimony, Taylor Lobato said she is fighting so that her sister and all students in Colorado have the opportunity to receive a better education.

The trial is currently in its second week and is expected to last five weeks. Check out the news clip below that features Taylor Lobato talking about the importance of the case and  what it means for students in Colorado.

To learn more, visit lobatocase.org.