The Des Moines Register reported this morning that Judge Karen Romano ruled the effectiveness of public schools is a question better suited for state lawmakers.

Rozanne King of Mondamin, Dacie Houston of Des Moines and Brandy Drake of Des Moines, along with their children, sued in April. Their lawsuit said Culver and Jeffrey stood by as the quality of Iowa’s schools eroded and left high school graduates without the skills to get through college or training programs that lead to well-paying jobs.

Instead of money, the families called for strict statewide standards. They also wanted teacher training and a pay structure that rewards teachers on merit rather than seniority.

The suit was also backed by the late Marvin Pomerantz, a former head of the Iowa Board of Regents and a well-known donor to the Republcian Party who passed away in August. Doug Gross, a former GOP gubernatorial candidate, represented the families. Gross told The Register he will appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court.