The ConVal school-funding suit is now in the hands of the state Supreme Court after the state appealed. Some 25 school districts, represented by attorneys John Tobin and Natalie Laflamme of the New Hampshire School Funding Fairness Project, have filled an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs.

The 25 districts include six of the state’s 13 cities, five regional districts and 14 rural districts, altogether representing about a third of all public school students in the state.

In its answering brief, the state, without addressing the merits of the case, argues that the Superior Court’s decision is riddled with procedural flaws and urges the court to dismiss the case altogether or remand it to the Superior Court for a full trial. Tobin described the state’s move as a ploy to forestall resolution of an issue that has smoldered for nearly 40 years.

Oral arguments, which had been anticipated to be held in September or October, have yet to scheduled. — MICHAEL KITCH