Dist. 303 grade level center lawsuit fast-tracked
A Kane County judge placed a lawsuit seeking to stop the creation of St. Charles Unit District 303’s first grade level centers on the fast track Tuesday. That track could lead to complete dismissal of the case or an injunction to halt all progress that could prove disastrous for the school district’s plans.
Attorneys for the district and a group of 13 parents seeking to prevent the grade level centers appeared before Judge Thomas Mueller. The judge set an expedited timetable that will see both sides back in court as soon as June 20. Attorneys for the district expect the judge to rule on a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on the basis that it has no basis in fact. Should the judge disagree, the lawsuit could move to trial as soon as the week of June 27. At that time, the judge could order all progress toward converting Davis and Richmond elementary schools into grade level centers to halt.
Even a short-term delay could cause the schools to not be ready to open the first day of class along with the other district schools, Superintendent Don Schlomann said.
There are also financial implications if the parents’ lawsuit derails the grade level center plan.
The district has already agreed to a lease contract for new computers at the grade level centers. That lease is part of a $1.2 million technology upgrade that will feature new iPad 2 computers. The district just received a $407,000 grant from the state to help defray costs. If the grade level centers plan is undone, the grant money would go back to the state and the district would be stuck with the full cost.
The district has also hired a foreign language teacher who would have no assignment if the plan falls through. Additionally, the district has already reached a contract agreement with teachers to provide a longer school day for students at the grade level centers. And about 110 volunteers are scheduled to help teachers move into the schools and situate classrooms Saturday.
Mueller told the attorneys for both sides he’s prepared to give the case a priority over other cases slated to come before him. Should the case move to trial, Schlomann, along with current and former school board members, are expected to give depositions on the planning process that created the idea for the grade level centers.