New York ? A state appeals court on Thursday ordered Gov. George Pataki and lawmakers to spend at least $4.7 billion more per year on New York City schools, saying current funding levels violated the state Constitution.

The Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court voted 3-2 to reject Pataki’s appeal of a lower court ruling.

The ruling requires state officials to provide $4.7 billion to $5.63 billion more for annual operating expenses for city schools, as well as billions more for building projects.

The money is to be phased into the budget within the next several years.