CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Crystal Lake Elementary School District 47 from approving or implementing proposed elementary school attendance boundary changes while a lawsuit alleging violations of state transparency laws proceeds.
District parent Joe Keegan filed the lawsuit in September, alleging the district violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act by holding 14 boundary advisory committee meetings without public notices, agendas or minutes, according to the Northwest Herald.
Judge David Gervais ruled Friday that Keegan has a substantial likelihood of succeeding on his argument that the committee was subject to the Open Meetings Act, while district officials maintain the committee only gathered information and made no final decisions. District 47 subsequently announced it would pause the boundary review process, cancel a scheduled board presentation and abandon plans for a vote next month, according to the article.
In a message to families on Tuesday, District 47 officials said the Board of Education is reviewing the court's decision and considering its next steps.
"While that process is underway, the District believes it is appropriate to pause further action regarding potential boundary changes," officials said.
The district confirmed that a presentation scheduled for the Oct. 19 Board of Education meeting has been canceled and that no action will be taken on the boundary proposals in November unless the legal situation changes.
"We recognize that boundary discussions are important to our families, staff, and community, and that many community members have questions about what happens next," district officials said.
The board plans to provide additional information once it determines how to proceed with the boundary review process amid the pending litigation.
The lawsuit also alleges violations of the Freedom of Information Act, and the next court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 21.
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