Many legislators applauded the final ruling of the school funding case that has taken three years to come to a judgment.

Senate Majority leader Charlie Shields, one of the sculptors of the school funding formula, disagreed with the suing schools request to raise taxes in order to better fund schools.

Shortly after the school districts brought the suit against the current method in January 2004, the Legislature passed a new funding plan during the 2005 session.

The school districts still have a chance to appeal the ruling.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Amy Becker, KMOX News.

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Intro:  After a three year battle, a judge ruled to uphold the current school funding system, leaving many legislators relieved.

KMOX's Amy Becker has more from the state Capitol.

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OutCue: SOC

The suing schools had called for spending around an additional $580 million to $1.3 billion per year on public schools.

If the ruling had passed, Missourians would be facing higher taxes, a move many legislators were against.

Republican Senator Gary Nodler says it took this case to force school districts to see the light and it is up to the patrons of that district to hold their schools accountable.

The school's attorney says he plans to recommend an appeal to the state Supreme Court.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Amy Becker, KMOX News.