Springfield Township, Franklin County v. Quick (1859) was the earliest U.S. Supreme Court case directly involving an educational issue. Quick arose in the context of a dispute related to the fact that provisions in the Northwest Ordinances set aside the 16th section of each township for school purposes for the benefit of township residents.

What the Supreme Court declared in Quick is that states do have the right to decide how to fund education within their own borders as long as they are not in violation of any federal laws to the contrary. Even though Quick was resolved in 1859, its legacy continues to today as witnessed by ongoing disputes over school funding. While the federal government involves itself in assuring equal opportunities for all students, ...