Report: $3.4B pays off for schools

State leaders descended on Annapolis High School's auditorium yesterday to announce that heavily funding Maryland's public schools for the past six years was well worth the expense.

They unveiled a report that says the so-called Thornton money, which boosted education funds by $3.4 billion, or 48.6 percent, has dramatically improved student achievement.

"We have made a big investment in public education, and it paid off," Gov. Martin O'Malley said.

The announcement was timely. State lawmakers are about to head back to session to examine how far they'll have to cut education funding after their...