Two Penn Wood High School graduates, Victoria Monroe and Nasharie Stewart studied a landmark trial that’s challenging how Pennsylvania is funding its public schools, writes Mallory Falk for WHYY.

The civil suit trial concluded Thursday. A judge’s ruling is not expected for several months. .

The lawsuit argues the state violates its constitution by underfunding and unfairly funding public schools like Penn Wood, depriving it of much-needed resources.

Defense attorneys for GOP lawmakers counter-argue that places like Penn Wood have seen success with AP courses, an award-winning debate team and gold medals in track and field.

 “They think that ‘Oh, you don’t have resources? Why are you thriving like this?’” Monroe said.

But those successes hide the overall impact of a lack of funds on an uneven playing field, she said.

Without wealthy local communities to support William Penn, the district’s 5,000 students face staff and textbook shortages, crumbling buildings and oversized classes.

The idea presented at the trial that some students will still be successful is hurtful, Stewart said, especially to those who don’t make it, and to those who get to college but find themselves behind because of the flawed system they were taught in.

Read more at WHYY about reaction to the school fair funding trial.