The Supreme Court of Iowa recently dismissed a case concerning education standards, saying the matter would be better resolved by legislators.

A lawsuit filed in 2008 alleged that education in the state is unequal and that schools with 250 or fewer students are commonly at a disadvantage, violating students' right to an equal education regardless of where in the state they live. The court ruled that the district judge who previously dismissed the case was correct to do so, noting that Iowa's education law does not expressly mandate free public schooling be made available to all children.

This case was an unprecedented one, according to plaintiffs' attorney Doug Gross, because the state Supreme Court has never before been required to interpret the education clause. The lawsuit sought to force officials to close achievement gaps between school districts, among other changes.

The justices who voted to dismiss the case largely did so because they felt the court was not the appropriate body to address the issue, according to their written opinions. Had the court ruled otherwise, it might have led to major efforts being required from officials. As matters stand, some indicated the case is a call to action despite the ruling, so it may yet provoke change.

Lawmakers in Iowa are looking at a bill that would prohibit local school districts from setting a start date earlier than the fourth Monday in August.

The bill has passed the Iowa House and is going before the Senate, with supporters saying that it guarantees the summer can be spent on activities such as farming and the state fair, The Associated Press reports. Current law sets a start date of September 1, but allows districts to request waivers to begin earlier.

Opponents say that the matter should be decided by local government officials, who know the most about setting their own calendars and may wish to coordinate with other entities. Officials concerned with tourism and economic development reportedly see August as an opportunity to boost the state's economy, while some educators and school administrators argue that beginning early makes more sense.

They note that sports programs tend to begin in August and some say that beginning sooner allows more room for adjustments in case winter weather or other events cause an unplanned closing.