June 07--A lawsuit aimed at halting Lincoln-Way High School District 210's plan to shutter one of its schools has been dismissed, court records show.
The cash-strapped school district's board voted in August to close Lincoln-Way North as a cost-saving measure after years of deficit spending.
Lincoln-Way Area Taxpayers Unite sued late last year, arguing that the district's decision was rushed and invalid. Will County Circuit Court Judge Roger Rickmon dismissed LWATU's lawsuit Monday.
Following the judge's ruling, Lincoln-Way officials released a statement.
"Today's ruling will allow District 210 to concentrate our full focus on addressing the issues and challenges facing our district, while fulfilling our mission to provide opportunities to maximize the academic growth of all Lincoln-Way students in the most cost effective manner," said Dee Molinare, the school district's president, in the statement. "We are committed to moving forward."
LWATU President Liz Sands said Monday afternoon she hadn't yet seen the ruling but, "Obviously it's disappointing."
Sands said the group will consider all its options.
Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
gpratt@tribpub.com
