Spokane Public Schools and other districts nationwide are taking a bold step to revitalize their extracurricular programs, investing heavily in activities such as sports, music, and arts. In an effort to offset the costs, administrators are banking on potential payouts from litigation against pharmaceutical companies and other defendants, accused of contributing to the opioid crisis. The districts' strategy hinges on successful lawsuits, which could provide a much-needed financial boost to sustain these programs. As schools nationwide face budget constraints, the innovative approach raises questions about the intersection of education and the legal system.
School systems like Spokane Public Schools are boosting extracurricular activities — and hoping payouts from litigation will sustain the investments.
