A Christian County judge has dismissed the lawsuit against the county’s school board over a decision to close three district schools.
Circuit Judge Andrew Self issued the ruling Friday stating board members acted within the law in making the decision to shutter Lacy, Holiday and Belmont elementary schools in 2013.
Last May, residents sued, alleging the school board followed improper procedures by administering its new school facilities plan. The board denied any wrongdoing.
Board attorney Jack Lackey says the judge acknowledged that closing or consolidating a school is always a difficult decision, but the power is ultimately up to the board as granted by the General Assembly.
"We're obviously pleased with the judge's rulings," said Lackey. "No board or board member that I've ever dealt with really likes the idea of closing a school. But, I think the board is happy to at least have this part of the matter concluded and appreciated the judge's comments acknowledging the difficulty of making these kinds of decisions."
District Spokeswoman Heather Lancaster says the three schools are set to close at the end of this school year and the students will be integrated into nearby schools. She says parents can use the district's School Locator on its site to find the next closest school.
No decision on the future of the properties has been made.
