Budget-writers, already buffeted by adverse lawsuits topping $300 million, no doubt breathed a sigh of relief when the state Supreme Court came down with a unanimous decision Thursday that upholds the state's method of paying teachers and school staff. The major decision http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/index.cfm?fa=opinions.showOpinion&filename=809437MAJ was written by Justice James Johnson and overturns a lower court decision in a Federal Way case that claimed the state's pay system leaves too much disparity from district to district. The high court said the Legislature "acted well within its constitutional authority" as it helps local districts provide an ample, uniform public education system. The court said pay disparity has narrowed since the Legislature began fully funding what the state defines as basic education.