Judge rules school funding measure is illegal

A King County Superior Court judge threw out a school-funding initiative Wednesday evening, ruling that the Seattle Education Association's attempt to raise millions for Seattle Public Schools is illegal.

Initiative 87 would have directed city property-tax money to smaller class sizes, all-day kindergarten and other programs in Seattle schools. The city had challenged I-87 in court, arguing that it imposed on the city's budgeting authority.

Supporters had gathered enough signatures to put I-87 on the November ballot, but the City Council was awaiting the outcome of the city's lawsuit before deciding whether to do so.

A related measure, Initiative 88 ­-- a proposal to raise the levy lid -- is on the September ballot. But even if it passes, it doesn't do anything without I-87, which spelled out how to spend the money.