(AP) -- The state Supreme Court could finally decide whether South Carolina's public schools provide all of its children the opportunity to succeed.
The justices will re-hear arguments Tuesday on a 19-year-old case that pits poor, rural districts against lawmakers.
Both sides had appealed a 2005 split lower court ruling. Lawyers last argued their case in June 2008. After four years with no decision, the court ordered a re-hearing.
Justices are asked to decide whether South Carolina schools provide all students access to a "minimally adequate education." That's the constitutional standard the court set in 1999.
State lawyer Bobby Stepp argues the court should dismiss the case as moot because so much has changed. The districts' lawyers contend the lack of meaningful change means students are worse off than ever.
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