COLUMBIA - A lawsuit arguing that the state isn't giving some of its poorest students a decent education returns to court today, and school district lawyers expect a witness list chock-full of high-profile state officials to attract more interest to the case.

The case, which has so far featured mostly tedious testimony from school district officials and education experts, turns political with the beginning of 2004 -- in time for the legislative session that starts eight days later.

"The political side of the case will receive courtroom time in the spring of this year," said Steve Morrison, an attorney representing school districts suing the state. "Whenever famous people testify in a court case involving public policy it usually does draw more attention."

Sen. John Land, D-Manning, is expected to testify today. Others testifying in the upcoming months include State Superintendent of Education Inez Tenenbaum, state Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, and Jo Anne Anderson, executive director of the Education Oversight Committee, Morrison said.

Attorney Robert Stepp would not discuss the state's lineup, but Morrison said the list of possible witnesses includes House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville, Rep. Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, and Gov. Mark Sanford.

School district attorneys say they are hoping the trial in Manning will keep education funding in the spotlight and on lawmakers' minds. "The courtroom solution is only part of the answer to the total issue of adequate funding for our schools," Morrison said.

Three dozen school districts concentrated mostly in the Pee Dee region have sued the state. The districts claim the state's funding formula -- a mix of local property taxes and state and federal dollars -- does not provide enough money to meet their basic needs, while schools with larger tax bases have an easier time.

If a judge were to find in favor of the districts, legislators could be faced with having to come up with a new way to fund education.

Attorneys for the state argue the current funding formula gives children a chance.

"The evidence the plaintiffs have presented is that South Carolina could be doing better in education," Stepp said. "And I don't necessarily argue with that. But whether we could do better is not the same thing as saying that there's not an opportunity for at least a minimally adequate education."

The state has pumped millions into schools to fund education reforms meant to boost student performance. But critics say recent budget cuts have forced schools to cut staffs and programs, hampering reform.