Stop wasting money with U-46 lawsuit

Is there any merit in the expensive lawsuit against School District U-46? What should be done now?

U-46 made the good decision in 2005 to return to the American tradition of neighborhood schools. They promote communications between the parents and also parents and schools for the benefit of the children. But something went wrong to cause parents to bring lawsuit against the district accusing it of overcrowding schools and providing an inferior education for a segregated school community.

U-46 could have and should have redrawn the new boundaries without hiring outside consultation. Each school's administration knows best the numbers of kids and demographics of the neighborhoods surrounding their schools. The consulting company was not able to do well the job required.

Complaints came in upon institution of the new boundaries. At this point the district realized that it had the ultimate responsibility for the changes and offered to made any amends by offering to let parents request schools of their own choice. Curiously, few of the irate parents chose do this; instead they seemed to learn from attorneys they consulted that lawsuits are usually about money!

U-46 has thus far spent over $8 million in defense of its actions. But, no resolution to the dispute is in sight; money continues to go for legal fees instead of helping the students in question with additions to schools and providing kids with more help during and after school.

This dispute must end now. Some of the parents bringing the lawsuit may have valid complaints. The school district had no evil intent and has tried to make amends. Even if the district is fined, it will be a finite amount instead of carte blanche for the law firms.

Donald B. Abbs

Elgin