Sun Blog

[gumby]

rural said:

steckparent said:

Precedent setting is legease for $$$$$ in the attorneys pockets. The average law case in Dupage County takes over three years from the date of filing to verdict. An Appeal will take at least two more years. $$$$$ Can't wait to see how much we owe to the property owners for holding the land up until after the lawsuit has resolved.

They'll burn through that 200k pretty quickly if it ends up going to trial. Do they have operators standing by to take your donation when that runs out? Or do they have a payment cap agreement with Mr. Collins?

Yeah, the $200K number seems low to me. He must not expectthis to go on for very long. Or, maybe that's just the starting point and he'll come back once that money is burnt off in a few months.

[d204mom]

gumby said:

rural said:

They'll burn through that 200k pretty quickly if it ends up going to trial. Do they have operators standing by to take your donation when that runs out? Or do they have a payment cap agreement with Mr. Collins?

Yeah, the $200K number seems low to me. He must not expectthis to go on for very long. Or, maybe that's just the starting point and he'll come back once that money is burnt off in a few months.

Someone told me that this particular attorney is pretty set and doesn't really have to work anymore - so he just picks and chooses his cases based on merit, not $$ potential.

[d204mom]

steckparent said:

Can't wait to see how much we owe to the property owners for holding the land up until after the lawsuit has resolved.

If you are talking about Brach-Brodie, you are right - the lawsuit is not over yet.

I believe they are due back in court in a few weeks. Then the school board will have a better idea of how much we (the taxpayers) owe them.

If you weren't talking about BB then there will be spot-on case law in DuPage County for them to reference. (Or maybe believing that the BB litigation will be done in another 3 years is too optimistic?)

[sleeplessinnpvl]

d204mom said:

steckparent said:

Can't wait to see how much we owe to the property owners for holding the land up until after the lawsuit has resolved.

If you are talking about Brach-Brodie, you are right - the lawsuit is not over yet.

I believe they are due back in court in a few weeks. Then the school board will have a better idea of how much we (the taxpayers) owe them.

If you weren't talking about BB then there will be spot-on case law in DuPage County for them to reference.

I thought steckparent was referring to the AME folks getting mad if we have to tie things up because of a new lawsuit. There are so many lawsuits going on, I can't keep track of them.

[JB]

concerned said:

This group wants to the SB to slow down and do due diligence. There are many problems with that site and first the safety of these kids needs to be seriously considered. Why do you think the land is so cheap? Why this rush? This school will not open in 2009. Slow down and make sure the site is safe. Arch has brought up many good points.

It the SB feels this site is safe and they know that many are concerned it is their job to alliviate those fears. The way they are treating the taxpayers and there is so much mistrust, how do you trust them with the biggest concern we have. Our children's safety.

If that means the kids have to deal one more year in crowded schools then so be it. Better then a big mistake of building on a dangerous site and jeopardizing anyones kids.

I think it is very selfish to those in the district who are not effected to be happy that someone elses kids are put in danger, so their kids can sit in a less crowded school.

Safety is first and foremost in my mind; everything else is secondary. Put this on a piece of farmland up North, and while I'll complain about being forced to go there, I will recognize the school board's right to send me there.

This is an industrial site we are trying to put a school on, for heaven's sake! I'm not saying we can't build there, but I am saying you better do our homework before signing any contracts. In my mind, there are serious concerns that need to be addressed, and we are not getting the answers we need. Do I think a lawsuit is extreme? Yes. Do I think the SB will listen to anything else? No, and it hurts me to say that but they'll need to prove otherwise. This is so "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" that it is frightening.

I'd rather take time and make the correct decision. My kids will be directly impacted by the overcrowding, but I'd endure that for good long term decision. The flip side, the one we appear to be on, is that we need the 3rd HS ASAP, and we'll deal with safety risks second. That's not a good long term plan, IMHO.

[fryfox]

sleeplessinnpvl said:

doctorwho said:

There is no way an attorney with the reputation Shawn Collins has is going to take a frivolous case..so my guess is he has thought it through

Is it a precendent settig case- you bet. As was put yesterday, no one anywhere has been as mislead on what was going to happen, to have it turn around so dramatically. Due to all the material in wiritng as well as built into the condemnation suit about what exactly the plans were, I do not see this being dismissed as frivolous. Hard to win - that was said yesterday. Unwinable - no.

I think Shawn has thought things over very well. He's gonna be making some money. Get his name in the paper. If he's lucky, he will get a precedent setting case. If not, hey, I tried and thanks for your money folks. He admitted there are no cases like this. Is it because no one sues or is it because judges want to deal with criminals and not disgruntled taxpayers? I don't know. We may have to wait and see what the judge says regarding this lawsuit. Shawn already admitted the district will not be forced to refund our money. So where are we left after the smoke clears from this trial?

I think part of the reason there aren't other cases is because other states have checks and balances by which they can address this stuff. I read of many instances in states with recall laws that school board officials were recalled (basically impeached) for doing a poor job that was detrimental to their district.

[cornholio]

steckparent said:

Precedent setting is legease for $$$$$ in the attorneys pockets. The average law case in Dupage County takes over three years from the date of filing to verdict. An Appeal will take at least two more years. $$$$$ Can't wait to see how much we owe to the property owners for holding the land up until after the lawsuit has resolved.

I can't wait to see how much we would pay in law suits of sick kids and teachers without doing the proper due diligence.

[concerned]

jb said:

concerned said:

This group wants to the SB to slow down and do due diligence. There are many problems with that site and first the safety of these kids needs to be seriously considered. Why do you think the land is so cheap? Why this rush? This school will not open in 2009. Slow down and make sure the site is safe. Arch has brought up many good points.

It the SB feels this site is safe and they know that many are concerned it is their job to alliviate those fears. The way they are treating the taxpayers and there is so much mistrust, how do you trust them with the biggest concern we have. Our children's safety.

If that means the kids have to deal one more year in crowded schools then so be it. Better then a big mistake of building on a dangerous site and jeopardizing anyones kids.

I think it is very selfish to those in the district who are not effected to be happy that someone elses kids are put in danger, so their kids can sit in a less crowded school.

Safety is first and foremost in my mind; everything else is secondary. Put this on a piece of farmland up North, and while I'll complain about being forced to go there, I will recognize the school board's right to send me there.

This is an industrial site we are trying to put a school on, for heaven's sake! I'm not saying we can't build there, but I am saying you better do our homework before signing any contracts. In my mind, there are serious concerns that need to be addressed, and we are not getting the answers we need. Do I think a lawsuit is extreme? Yes. Do I think the SB will listen to anything else? No, and it hurts me to say that but they'll need to prove otherwise. This is so "d**n the torpedoes, full speed ahead" that it is frightening.

I'd rather take time and make the correct decision. My kids will be directly impacted by the overcrowding, but I'd endure that for good long term decision. The flip side, the one we appear to be on, is that we need the 3rd HS ASAP, and we'll deal with safety risks second. That's not a good long term plan, IMHO.

This is right on the money!!!!

[steckmom]

doctorwho said:

steckmom said:

I'm not missing the point.

Doc, you know I really feel for your area. I really do. But I don't think this is the answer. Do what you must, but I'm furious.

Maybe if this results in costing the district significant money, some other taxpayers will come up with some grounds to sue NSFOC.

Then please tell me what the answer for my area is ? The SD- and SB have ignored our situation, and it has been brought to them many times in many different ways. This is a lifetime decision for us too- how are we supposed to just sit down and shut up?

And as I said, you look around that hall yesterday, and the people there 6-12 months ago could have been the same people working for re election of candidates or 2 years ago, working for 204tk -- these are no NO voters or selfish people, I just don't buy that. The SB-SD has forcd people like that to these ends -it's that simple.

Give me an alternative for my area and I'll listen to it...

I don't know, instead of rushing forward with a lawsuit, try to work as a group with the school board. Has your organization contacted the school board prior to contacting an attorney to sue? Demonstrations? In the meantime, take a look at Rockford school district.

I know, hit hard with a lawsuit, then the SB will have to negotiate. Again, it's the American way.

I keep hearing and reading how we want the school board to move more slowly. Well, is NFSOC?

I never mentioned motives, but just because people worked to pass the referendum or on elections, doesn't mean they couldn't be selfish.

I'm just holding out hope that the good judges of DuPage use reason and toss out the case on summary judgment.

[concerned]

The SB is racing at full speed and they appear not to be listening. Instead they throw out words like entitlement. They are not a group you can work with.

Rockford district was sued by a group for discrimination. Different then what is happening here. People want the school board to slow down and do due diligence.

[WeBe204]

steckmom said:

I don't know, instead of rushing forward with a lawsuit, try to work as a group with the school board. Has your organization contacted the school board prior to contacting an attorney to sue? Demonstrations?

I completely agree with this sentiment. I do however believe the door will need to swing both ways. I know I am a broken record but that entitelment comment, please. Can you say flame meet gas leak.

I think the admin could really do it self a favor by sitting down with these people. I know people are going to say its a zero sum game. No more changes. But heck why not. Is there a halfway point? If this effort is truly only about going to certain high school then the discussions will bring light on that. But I think there are real issues here to be discussed.

If there is a lawsuit I hold both sides responsible. More talk less lawsuits. Of course the same could be said for the BB process

[cornholio]

steckmom said:

doctorwho said:

Then please tell me what the answer for my area is ? The SD- and SB have ignored our situation, and it has been brought to them many times in many different ways. This is a lifetime decision for us too- how are we supposed to just sit down and shut up?

And as I said, you look around that hall yesterday, and the people there 6-12 months ago could have been the same people working for re election of candidates or 2 years ago, working for 204tk -- these are no NO voters or selfish people, I just don't buy that. The SB-SD has forcd people like that to these ends -it's that simple.

Give me an alternative for my area and I'll listen to it...

I don't know, instead of rushing forward with a lawsuit, try to work as a group with the school board. Has your organization contacted the school board prior to contacting an attorney to sue? Demonstrations? In the meantime, take a look at Rockford school district.

I know, hit hard with a lawsuit, then the SB will have to negotiate. Again, it's the American way.

I keep hearing and reading how we want the school board to move more slowly. Well, is NFSOC?

I never mentioned motives, but just because people worked to pass the referendum or on elections, doesn't mean they couldn't be selfish.

I'm just holding out hope that the good judges of DuPage use reason and toss out the case on summary judgment.

Is public comment at the school board meetings not reaching out to the SB?!?

[sleeplessinnpvl]

doctorwho said:

fryfox said:

I think part of the reason there aren't other cases is because other states have checks and balances by which they can address this stuff. I read of many instances in states with recall laws that school board officials were recalled (basically impeached) for doing a poor job that was detrimental to their district.

Sleepless - at what meeting did Mr Collins state that they could not be forced to reutrn the money ?

The reason there are no cases like this is no one else has done anything to the extreme like was done to us here...that alone should be an eye opener. He mentioned cases were a stray SB member made an errant comment - not a planned campaign to sell one thing and then deliver another. We are the only ones fortunate enough to have had that happen to them.

Also I'm not sure I'd be characterizing a trial attorney as you are without more than what you are providing. If you look at his background - he doesn't need the publicity - to suggest otherwise really not bad. Do you know him ? Do you know his reputation ?

Actually, I had never met him and was very impressed by him. I think he was very honest in telling people what their chances were. I believe at the meeting last night he made a comment that the judge will not determine what the penalty will be. In other words, he will not say "you have to build on BB at all costs" or "you have to build at Eola." He also said he couldn't see a verdict where the district would be "opening their wallets" and having to dish the money back. I thought he meant that the only repercussion would be that the SB would have to go for another referendum. Legaleeze at 9 pm just doesn't register with me. I am no legal expert. I just remember some comment about how the district would not be opening their wallets.

Doc, do you think a judge in DuPage county would overturn a referendum voted on by the people of this district? I don't have the answer to that. Now that would be precedent setting.

[Arch]

steckmom said:

doctorwho said:

Then please tell me what the answer for my area is ? The SD- and SB have ignored our situation, and it has been brought to them many times in many different ways. This is a lifetime decision for us too- how are we supposed to just sit down and shut up?

And as I said, you look around that hall yesterday, and the people there 6-12 months ago could have been the same people working for re election of candidates or 2 years ago, working for 204tk -- these are no NO voters or selfish people, I just don't buy that. The SB-SD has forcd people like that to these ends -it's that simple.

Give me an alternative for my area and I'll listen to it...

I don't know, instead of rushing forward with a lawsuit, try to work as a group with the school board. Has your organization contacted the school board prior to contacting an attorney to sue? Demonstrations? In the meantime, take a look at Rockford school district.

I know, hit hard with a lawsuit, then the SB will have to negotiate. Again, it's the American way.

I keep hearing and reading how we want the school board to move more slowly. Well, is NFSOC?

I never mentioned motives, but just because people worked to pass the referendum or on elections, doesn't mean they couldn't be selfish.

I'm just holding out hope that the good judges of DuPage use reason and toss out the case on summary judgment.

I have tried to talk with them about the site issues for over a month. They refuse to answer, answer with more false data, or completely dismiss me entirely.

I warned them that there exist conditions there that paint a big Bullseye on their backs for a lawsuit and these issues need to be brought out into the open and dealt with in a professional manner and looked into by qualified people to ensure the site is safe for a school long term.

Trust me, they had full knowledge of what might happen back in January.

[doctorwho]

steckmom said:

doctorwho said:

Then please tell me what the answer for my area is ? The SD- and SB have ignored our situation, and it has been brought to them many times in many different ways. This is a lifetime decision for us too- how are we supposed to just sit down and shut up?

And as I said, you look around that hall yesterday, and the people there 6-12 months ago could have been the same people working for re election of candidates or 2 years ago, working for 204tk -- these are no NO voters or selfish people, I just don't buy that. The SB-SD has forcd people like that to these ends -it's that simple.

Give me an alternative for my area and I'll listen to it...

I don't know, instead of rushing forward with a lawsuit, try to work as a group with the school board. Has your organization contacted the school board prior to contacting an attorney to sue? Demonstrations? In the meantime, take a look at Rockford school district.

I know, hit hard with a lawsuit, then the SB will have to negotiate. Again, it's the American way.

I keep hearing and reading how we want the school board to move more slowly. Well, is NFSOC?

I never mentioned motives, but just because people worked to pass the referendum or on elections, doesn't mean they couldn't be selfish.

I'm just holding out hope that the good judges of DuPage use reason and toss out the case on summary judgment.

Steckmom - as others from my area have posted here - there is a group of us that is extremely well known by the SD admin as well as the SB members. We have worked with these people for years - in all kinds of positions from school positions to 204tk - to re election campaigns, to writing fliers and press releases for the referendum - take your pick.

If we could not accomplish anything - including even getting them to consider our issues , why would anything you suggest have a remote chance. We are not strangers to them, this area , this district -- basically our concerns have been put aside - and disregarded. So no -- the course of action at this point is obviously the only way to be actually heard, and not blown off.

Wait for what - more contracts to be signed before we know what we even have as an overall site ? sorry, that just doesn't seem to be a very good course.


You don't have to agree- that's fine....but until you've walked in our shoes try not to be so judgemental. The decision made for my area is permanent - it will not go away in a few years with more space like overcrowding - these are forever consequences -- forever is an awful long time.