Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina's Supreme Court justices say they recognize that students in poor, rural districts aren't succeeding but question whether they can force legislative action.

The justices re-heard arguments Tuesday on a 19-year-old case that pits struggling districts against lawmakers.

The high court is 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's attorney Bobby Stepp told the justices their interpretation set a very low bar that's hard to flunk.

Chief Justice Jean Toal repeatedly asked the district attorneys for specific suggestions for a court order. She suggested forced consolidation as a possibility. She says the plaintiff districts are too small and spend too much money on administration.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)