Court Affirms Stillwater Board’s Decision To Close Schools

STILLWATER, MN — On Monday, April 3, the Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the Stillwater Area Public School (SAPS) board’s decision to close Marine, Oak Park and Withrow Elementary Schools.

In its decision, the court stated that “the March 3 school-closing hearing afforded a reasonable opportunity for interested parties to testify on the question under consideration."

"The hearing process conformed to the requirements of Minn. Stat. § 123B.51, subd. 5, and the resulting Board decision to close the schools is supported by substantial evidence in the record.”

In a statement, SAPS officials said they "appreciate the Court’s consideration of this issue."

"Our student, staff and families of varying perspectives have remained earnestly and deeply engaged throughout this process, and we are grateful to them," they stated.

"We are looking forward to working along with our communities to continue our transition into the start of the 2017-2018 school year."

Read the court’s full decision below:

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