Judge dismisses NSFOC lawsuit

NSFOC....YOU HAVE BEEN DISMISSED!!!! GLAD I DIDN'T DONATE!!!

Judge Popejoy really put NSFOC where they deserved to be. Out of the court room and licking their wounds. I love the conclusion where he points out they were trying a "backdoor" method to get their way.

NSFOC, bye bye!! $204 well spent folks????

This is great news. What a waste of everyone's time.

I hope the school board counter sues for all legal expenses they spent. The tax payers in D204 should not have to pay to defend against a suit that had absolutley no merit.

Where is GF? He is ALWAYS first! Seems kinda quiet so far. So ok, Woo Hoo, Yipee, hot da_n!!!
Justice prevails.

When I grow up I want to be Kenneth Popejoy so I can say:

CONCLUSION:
Though plaintiffs deny it, each of their arguments is a back door method to obtain
discretion over where the site of the new school will be built, or at least where it will not be built.
This is not their right, but the right granted to the school district by Ilinois law.

and not get burned at the stake or thrown to the wolves!

Justice served. End of story. Let's stop picking apart this issue and start picking up the pieces and moving on.

Elitists 0 Rationale People 1
I think the NSFOC should now throw it's weight behind Hillary Clinton's campaign.

For thise considering an appeal . . . .

DISMISSAL WITH PREJUDICE - When a case is dismissed for good reason and the plaintiff is barred from bringing an action on the same claim.

Finally, someone stepped up and applied logic and the rule of law to this terrible mess.

This is where we show our children, our young adults, that it is OK to voice our opinions and to fight for what we believe...but once the judge rules, we all join back together as a community and move forward.

Hi, All!

Well, I'm not surprised. I always believed Shawn Collins when he said the NSFOC lawsuit was a long shot. Still, it was not a waste. NSFOC involvement did result in getting Metea off the MWGen land, which is better for everyone.

As the Sun pointed out, now we can focus on the REAL lawsuits. Mark your calendars for June 10, that's when BB and SD attorneys meet in court. Unfortunately, I don't expect any dismissals here. These lawsuits are the Big Kahunas compared to the NSFOC suit and will be the ones to watch over the next year or so.

Cheers!

I will admit that I am glad that the judge dismissed the case. I am also glad he validated a lot of what I have been saying.

If the verdict had come back the other way how would I have felt? I know the answer--I would have been devastated just as I was when the jury came back in the condemnation suit.

All of this is background to say that the gloating on this board offends me almost as much as the NSFOC lawsuit (and their gloating when it wasn't thrown out last week). Now is the time to join together to fight the BB trusts and to start to heal the incredibly deep wounds in this community. I don't want to sound like Pollyanna, but this seems to be getting uglier not better!

What I find particularly offensive is the personal attacks!

GF has shown immense patience with my questions, though we are diametrically opposed in our views. He has shown incredible courage in using his real name. How many of us can say that? He has stated that he will now look at the new fact pattern and reevaluate. Again, how many of us can say that we are or would have been willing to reevaluate the situation? Above all he has been honest and honorable through the whole process. I would not vote for him for SB in the current climate, but if my side can find a candidate with his qualities, I will be thrilled.

It is time that we come together as a district. Some people put together a suit for what they believed, although many disagreed (including me) with this tact, it is time for all of us to be adults and figure out what is next and best for the children of this district. I am happy with the verdict, but, not happy with those who gloat. It is what it is and it is time to move on and come together as a community.

to I am a mom too...

if you are offended get off the blogs. Join together to fight the BB trusts - and how do you do that.

I'm going to sit back and watch the show - it will be what it is going to be.

Let the courts handle it.

NSFOC - seeeeeyaaaaa!

the only banding together we will do for bb is to watch our tax bills go up a disgusting amount to pay for the districts lapse of judgment on land selection

Thanks Mom

you are a very classy individual. kudos to you for not gloating and "rubbing it in" like so many others. I think you have the foresight (that a few others seem to lack at present) that to further the divide causes the potential for many historically "vote yes" folks to just go for the "mutually assured destruction" path. If someone (or a group of people) are so ostrized and alieniated, this can seem like a viable path to take just for hate's sake. This would not be good. It doesnt take too many yes folks to join with the always vote no folks to thwart future refs.

As for me, I am going to read the opinion tonight, but apparently we had very little legal footing. It appears that there are only two "no no's" the SB can do. One being intentionally deceiving their constituents. The second being not following the letter of the actual referendum. ANything else is irrevelant in the eyes of the law. This does not make it ethical or moral, just not illegal(apparently)

Technically it CAN be appealed (it cannot be revamped and refiled..per the green board) it would have to have some issue to contend and would need to be appealled to the IL appellate court. This is remote and very unlikely. Even if we did this (and my some miracle we won): that leaves us with a half built HS since construction continues. I dont know about anyone else, but for me...the question as to the 3rd HS is over. I still disagree with the precident the SB set and find the process utilized morally bankrupt, but it will be built and we (me) all need to move on to other issues of the day.

Thanks again Mom, very classy of you, summer, and sc; to not gloat

While disappointed, it is what it is and while the suit has been dismissed we must not lose sight of the pending lawsuits, a site that may still need remediation beyond what has been published/acknowledged to this point, transportation costs that have not been validated among other items.

My concerns remain, at best this "victory" in merely a band-aid on a gun shot wound.

Although the judge's opinion was disappointing the NSFOC had their day in court. I am personally amazed at the grass roots effort put forth by this group to address issues they were passionate about and willing to band together to address. This passion displayed by this group is something we need more of not less of in 204. Parents must be involved in the education system and irregardless of our opinions around issues we need to respect that we will not all agree.

I am ashamed though at my fellow district 204 neighbors who instead of debating facts created tension by bashing neighborhoods, threatening to not welcome innocent children into Waubonsie and acusing neighbors of being racist, elitist, etc. These actions really taught me that this community is not what I thought it once was.

Its hard to tell from blogs who made these statements but you know who you are and its a real embarassment to call you neighbors.

I remain concerned about the direction of our Superintendant and School board and so the other lesson learned is how critically important these SB elections are and what damage can be done by not having the right people in these positions. Hopefully we will all carefully chose the successors of the current board members when their seats open in 2009. Afterall, these board members also chose the Superintendant who is IMO a major disappointment. We have a great district and could have done a whole lot better in selecting the leader of the district. What we needed was someone who could unify the district not isolate parents so he could advance his own agenda. It sounds like he is on a limited contract though so lets prepare ourselves to appoint new SB leaders who in turn will appoint the next superintendant. These leaders must be open to working with parents and I firmly believe if the board and superintendant had treated ALL parents with respect our district would not be torn, the NSFOC would never have been created and we could have saved alot of time aggrevation and money.

We need to move on. Its clear the district, Superintendant and SB have little interest in being the catalyst in this process. The community needs to pull together despite the current board and superintendant. They are short term barriers but we are here for the long haul and need to rebuild the community and focus on whats best for all of our kids.

...honest and honorable...

I hope you are GF's spouse if not, well, let's say maybe you need some attention.

Pretty well said, I am a mom too.

I could say, and have believed, a lot of bad things about NSFOC, but assuming this is the end of their "effort", however you choose to characterize it, none of that should matter any more. We all make mistakes, we are all selfish to some degree or another at one time or another for one reason or another, and at this point I would like to accept that this was just one of those instances in their lives. I'd like to believe that I could be forgiven my mistakes, and I certainly can forgive what they have been doing, which I think was a mistake, yadda yadda yadda. Nonetheless, there is no reason to hold any ill will over it, and let us just put it in the past and move forward together.

For those who hadn't seen the ruling of Popejoy.

http://www.ipsd.org/Uploads/news_18832_1.pdf

Finally - someone who is willing to stand up (very strongly I must admit) for what's right! I have so much respect for Judge Popejoy - not only for his verdict, but for his rightfully strong findings of the NSFOC and their tactics. The NSFOC has only brought turmoil into our well respected community. Their lies and outright selfishness are shameful and should be an example for everyone to live life with a strong moral compass.

from anonymous at 10:04 5.29
...Finally - someone who is willing to stand up (very strongly I must admit) for what's right! I have so much respect for Judge Popejoy - not only for his verdict, but for his rightfully strong findings of the NSFOC and their tactics.

The NSFOC has only brought

turmoil

into our well respected community. Their lies and outright selfishness are shameful and should be an example for everyone to live life with a strong moral compass."

------------
wasn't there TURMOIL before the nsfoc lawsuit??!!

While I am glad the NSFOC complaint was dismissed it is still personally a bittersweet victory for myself and (I think I can speak for them) most of my neighbors in a North Subdivision. I am sad that my children won't be attending WVHS a HS that I personally have a lot of feelings towards having lived in that HS district for 11 years and believing my kids would eventually attend WVHS. I am also saddened because through this process I have gotten to know many supporters of the NSFOC and I can empathize with all of their positions and feelings towards this HS issue.

I'd like to be the first to reach out a hand and try to bring this community together between those of us that have had different views. I am in no way gloating nor am I overly celebrating this decision. I have always tried to remain neutral in my posts but clear on where I stood.

I hope those who were for the AME site for MVHS are mature and civil in this victory. I also hope that those who supported the NSFOC can try and move past their betrayed feelings and make the best of the situation that they feel they have (fairly or unfairly) been put in. I wish those that supprted the NSFOC nothing but the best and I know you and your children will succeed where ever they go to school.

As much as I was against the NSFOC at the begining I hold no ill will and I want all of us to get back to where we were as a district before this whole mess. Let's stop putting the blame on the SB and take some personal onwnership in making this happen. I look forward to meeting parents from all over the district as summer activities begin for all of our kids. All of the past vile and hate that has been thrown around these boards for the past 3 months has got to stop now if we are to move forward as a district. I for one have never and will never participate in that type of behavior.

Regardless if we want to or not, we have to all lend a hand and repair this divide that has occured between us. I know some of you don't want to, but we have to support our SB while still holding them accountable. There are some big cases coming up between Brach and Brodie trusts and I hope I don't see parents rooting for those greedy land owners. To see parents supporting the BB Trusts would be disappointing because you would be truly wishing bad things for IPSD. I understand your frustration right now but the time will come for all of us to have a say who is on the SB in 2009. Until then let's make this a great summer and one of forgetting our differences and not holding grudges. This is my wish for the summer.

D&S and GF, you're welcome over anytime this summer for a beverage and a cook out on my patio!!! That goes for you Eloa Supporter as well!!

MR

Sad part is that many of those calling the NSFOCers elitist are the same people that will be hit with footing the bill for the financial debacle the SB has still left us to fight! My pockets are sewn shut and longer are an open hole. I commend NSFOC for taking a stab at it. They were my only hope to not suffering from huge tax increases to come. 2nd job here we come!!!!!

I have lost my husband to this blog! Why is he the only one to use his real name? Kids, we ALL want the same thing for our children!! The NSFOC is NOT evil. It takes TWO (or more) to argue. BTW - the IDSP 204 are not so greatly ranked! Looked at Bellevue School District - abtfw - they DO NOT BRAG!! Check it out, property taxes are WAY less!

So BTIWWTO, do not need attention. Why do you hide?

Why are all you anonymous?????

By to I am a mom too on May 29, 2008 9:33 PM

...honest and honorable...

I hope you are GF's spouse if not, well, let's say maybe you need some attention.
____________________________________

This post is just plain nasty. I didn't think it possible, but you have hit a new low. Congratulations, you are now officially in the gutter.

Can someone explain to me why NSFOC gets to stomp around, pout and throw temper tantrums, call names and file suit, but when the rest of us point out that we were right all along that we're not allowed to do the same thing?

Why is strutting about OK for the people who caused all of this mess (NSFOC) but not for the rest of us who were vindicated today in our belief that the small-minded people of NSFOC were wrong?

Anyone who has been watching these blogs knows that GF and I aren't even in the same subdivision or grade school area.

My hubby is all those things and agrees with me to boot. If we could get GF to leave the darkside he and my hubby would probably hit it off. (GF--no offense intended0

Oh, and since that sounds like a really icky threat or worse yet offer, maybe the editors should consider removing that post.
____________________________________________________________________
By to I am a mom too on May 29, 2008 9:33 PM
...honest and honorable...

I hope you are GF's spouse if not, well, let's say maybe you need some attention.

While we can celebrate this win we must also wonder if this is just the first battle or whether it now ends the entire war?

Having spent the better part of my adult life watching a variety of lawsuits parade through the judicial system it isn't always clear what is a victory and what is a defeat. Certainly appellate courts have, on occasion, reversed lower court rulings.

I guess in the bigger picture I am holding my breath waiting to see what, if anything, NSFOC does next. If the deadline to appeal rolls past this will essentially become a dead issue. If NSFOC decides to appeal or possibly file new or ammended charges I am not sure where that will leave us.

What is even scarier than NSFOC are the other two lawsuits. If we loose these two lawsuits... and I'm kind of thinking we are either going to win both or loose both due to the similarities... we are going to be in deep financial trouble. Realistically any savings realized by switching sites is going to be eaten up in legal expenses anyway. The bottom line is if we are forced to buy the land what will the price be and what will we do with it?

Thanks NSFOC:

I firmly believe if the board and superintendant had treated ALL parents with respect our district would not be torn, the NSFOC would never have been created and we could have saved alot of time aggrevation and money.
----------------
I wish I could believe that, but I don't. The impression NSFOC has left is that they were unwilling to settle for anything but their own interests, the rest of the district be damned. Unless things went their way, they were not to be mollified. No matter what the SB said or did.

At best, it was an astounding display of personal immaturity. At worst it was a truly cynical maneuver to make sure their own interests trumped all others.

In my view, the NSFOC lawsuit was just a naked attempt to hijack my vote and the vote of thousands like me to serve an end I flat out disagreed with. The scare tactics and propaganda only made it that much more distasteful. Whatever their real intentions were (and granted, only they know), they now have to acknowledge the fact that they came across as dishonest, self-interested, and bad intentioned -- even to the judge.

I do at all not absolve the SB for their poor communication skills. There were far better ways to handle this, for sure. And I agree completely that they have a duty to help calm the waters and heal the wounds. I just wish the NSFOC folks would own up to their own blatant complicity in this mess make at least some gesture of reconciliation, as well.

Gotta tell you, I'm not holding my breath.

Interesting. Both sides self characterize their own point of view as passionate yet see their opponents as divisive and selfish. Throw in the instant power of the internet and youy see how the level of civility quickly degrades. The NSFOC and its supporters may feel like they have been unfairly smeared by their opponents but they should not be surprised that the gloves came off when they elected to litigate their position and crank up their own PR machine. If this all looks familiar it is because the same scenario is playing out every day in the race for President. We live in a no holds barred world and it certainly played out here.

Wow, the judge really put them in their place. NSFOC can't even appeal this!

Now, perhaps they will join the rest of the southern section of D204 (the majority) and embrace their new boundaries/schools.

By Anonymous on May 29, 2008 10:04 PM
Finally - someone who is willing to stand up (very strongly I must admit) for what's right! I have so much respect for Judge Popejoy - not only for his verdict, but for his rightfully strong findings of the NSFOC and their tactics. The NSFOC has only brought turmoil into our well respected community. Their lies and outright selfishness are shameful and should be an example for everyone to live life with a strong moral compass.
______________________________________

Like the strong moral compass the SB used to mislead those voters in the first place. The judge ruled what the SB did wasn't illegal; this doesn't make their behavior in 06 morally right--far from it. The SB's actions are what brought turmoil into the district, the NSFOC was standing up for the voters who were believed their votes were invalided by the SB. So get off your moral high horse. Neither you nor the SB deserve to be there. And keep in mind if the SB does it to others, they can do it to you. I think that is one lesson we should all learn from this.

You mean I can't gloat? Even just a LITTLE?!!???!!???

No? Ok. So be it.

The great thing about the regulars on this board is that even though we disagreed vehemently about many things, (and agreed vehemently on many others) and it occasionally got snotty, the dialog was good and the debate fair and lively.

I for one would be happy to work with any of Greg, Metea, D+S, Perspective, MR, KK, SSS, a couple of 'Mom' variants (and a few others I am sure I am forgetting) on issues related to the schools.

Our issues are not over. There is still a tight construction timeline to meet, lawsuits to fight, and more 'complications' around the next turn. So I will, with others on this board, be happy to erect a 'big tent' from which to fight the next battles.

But in case it doesnt work out that way....D+S, may I suggest you keep the snipers list active? ;-)

"Gee Wally, what just happened?"
"The judge just said you're ignorant, Beaver."
"He also said, you're a back door man."
"I'm gonna tell Mom!"
"Stick a sock in it junior, ya better wait til Dad get's home this time Beav. Mom waisted a whole bunch of money defending you against the school board the last time."
"Yeah, I guess you're right Wally....I hate the way you're always right Wally."

"What about Mr. Collins, Wally, what's he gonna do now?"
"Uh, I think he and Eddie are going to Barbados this weekend with some new money they found. When they come back, they'll have another plan.... Eddie always has a plan....you just watch and see Beav....now go to bed already would ya?"
"OK Wally....good night Wally."

By Happy in the North on May 30, 2008 8:09 AM
Wow, the judge really put them in their place. NSFOC can't even appeal this!

Now, perhaps they will join the rest of the southern section of D204 (the majority) and embrace their new boundaries/schools
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You might want to read the hand written comments at the end....specifically where Poejoy states that thsi is a final and appeallable order. Its close but it may not be over yet....

By TroubleMaker on May 29, 2008 11:01 PM
Can someone explain to me why NSFOC gets to stomp around, pout and throw temper tantrums, call names and file suit, but when the rest of us point out that we were right all along that we're not allowed to do the same thing?

Why is strutting about OK for the people who caused all of this mess (NSFOC) but not for the rest of us who were vindicated today in our belief that the small-minded people of NSFOC were wrong?
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Its common on both sides, as it seems the parents of the children mentioned in this article demonstrated the same behavior when teaching them that this issue was about "the entitled kids that don't want to go to school with you."

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/978305,6_1_NA30_PRIDE_S1.article

The NSFOC train has derailed. The earth movers are working.
Will GF need to find a new cause to blog about?
will D&S ever be able to close out the sniper list?
Will Metea Either Way get the right sized first aid kit?
Will Roger Waters drown in his own bitterness about the dismissal?
Has Save the Earth left the planet?
Will Leupold and Barrett help hit the mark again?

Stay tuned next time for further adventures in Blogville.

In my view, the SB's actions were just a naked attempt to hijack my vote and the vote of thousands like me to serve an end I flat out disagreed with. The scare tactics and propaganda only made it that much more distasteful. Whatever their real intentions were (and granted, only they know), they now have to acknowledge the fact that they came across as dishonest, self-interested, and bad intentioned.
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Incredulous can't this also be said about the SB? Both sides played in the same sandbox all along, don't you think?

Civics: Thanks fro the invitation, perhaps after licking my wounds, I'll be in a better frame of mind to join forces.

My concerns remain:

Eola land: While not the toxic dump that some have attempted to portray I still do not believe that enough remediation has or will take place. The gas lines are still an issue. From these blogs it appears that there are some very simple and realistic measures to be employed that will significantly mitigate the risk of the Eola/Molitor site however until I see them employed this wil remain a concern.

Pending lawsuits: What have we learned? The voters cannot compel, without merit as determined by the courts, the SB to act. Similarily, the SB cannot compel land owners to act/sell. Thus for me its not a matter of if but how much these suits will cost the district.

Construction costs: Accelerated timeline and remediation issues, if undertaken, mentioned in the first point.

Operating Costs: I have not seen anything published by the SB stating what the ultimate impact of moving to this site will have on their intital projections.

SB M.O.: This group has been as devisive as those fringe elements of the NSFOC and pro-Eola factions. This is a perfect time for them to rise above the fray and make a sincere effort to be the first to reach out and begin the healing, I don't know that they have this in them.

To: By Incredulous on May 29, 2008 11:57 PM
As always, great post - well said.

It is amazing to me what the NSFOC has tried to do; their lies, the fliers they handed out to our children at the grocery store, their behavior at every turn. Now they are acting like what they did was freedom of speech or some such nonsense - accusing the board of lies and deceit, when that was in fact, the basis of their entire strategy - scare tactics, lies, propaganda.

Ok, so everyone seems to be focusing attention on the next lawsuits brought by the BB trust. When the original Eola / Molitor site was being discussed there was an effort made to contact Midwest Gen in opposition to this site. It appeared to have worked because Midwest Gen backed out of their deal.

What if we as a group use the same tactic and approach the BB trust. We could let them know that if their lawsuit proceeds and ends up costing us millions in additional payments that we will not support the eventual business residents or development, i.e. boycott the location?

Unless someone actually wants to see BB win the lawsuits I don't see what the harm would be in organizing and threatening a boycot? After all, fair is fair, aren't they the one's suing us?

By BB trust boycott? on May 30, 2008 9:38 AM
Ok, so everyone seems to be focusing attention on the next lawsuits brought by the BB trust. When the original Eola / Molitor site was being discussed there was an effort made to contact Midwest Gen in opposition to this site. It appeared to have worked because Midwest Gen backed out of their deal.

What if we as a group use the same tactic and approach the BB trust. We could let them know that if their lawsuit proceeds and ends up costing us millions in additional payments that we will not support the eventual business residents or development, i.e. boycott the location?
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Interesting idea but let me ask, why did you not think of this in an attempt to get BB to bring down their asking price for the land so Mtea could be built on BB?

Sorry Civics, you've seemed to rub off on me... ;)

Judge Popejoy overwhelmingly ruled in favor of the school district on all counts. In reading his ruling, it is apparent that the lawsuit was indeed frivolous. Even Sean Collins’ own post-ruling comments yesterday confirm that he didn’t think the lawsuit had a chance.

However, when Sean Collins and the leaders of NSFOC were asking for my $204 donation, they led me to believe the lawsuit had merit. I now feel misled and coerced. Swindled out of my $204.

Does anyone know if there are legal grounds to seek a refund?

By Anonymous on May 30, 2008 9:30 AM
To: By Incredulous on May 29, 2008 11:57 PM
As always, great post - well said.

It is amazing to me what the SB has tried to do; their lies, the fliers they handed out to our children at school, their behavior at every turn. Now they are acting like what they did was granted by virtue of their position - accusing the pro-BB supporters of lies and deceit, when that was in fact, the basis of their entire strategy - scare tactics (split shifts), lies (we have sufficient funds to purchase BB), propaganda (fliers stuffed in students backpacks @ school).
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As posed to incredulous, some minor editing and it makes one think, doesn't it?

Civics,
You were correct on almost every point with regard to the lawsuit. I would have liked the judge to at least acknowledge some break down in the whole 2nd referendum process, but it was not to be. I was no fan of the nsfoc and do clearly stand with the board an adm. on almost all aspects of the mgt. of our district. But and this is a big But, the bb situation was a rough situation.

It was a pleasure blogging back and forth with you, gf, the moms, the rock and roll guys, mr, arch and the many others.

By Metea Either Way on May 30, 2008 8:58 AM
By Happy in the North on May 30, 2008 8:09 AM
Wow, the judge really put them in their place. NSFOC can't even appeal this!

Now, perhaps they will join the rest of the southern section of D204 (the majority) and embrace their new boundaries/schools
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You might want to read the hand written comments at the end....specifically where Poejoy states that thsi is a final and appeallable order. Its close but it may not be over yet....

They were rightly "Dismissed with Prejudice". In order to propose an appeal, they would have to prove that Judge Popejoys opinion was wrong, providing new factual evidence.

It's over dude. Big time.

By Metea Either Way on May 30, 2008 9:02 AM

I am having a hard time seeing this Waubonsie article from the point of view you are seeing. I see a bunch of kids who dont understand why a bunch of adults are arguing about which HS their kids will go to. And having heard the MANY disparaging comments about WVHS they have decided to tell the world that they love WVHS, and why doesnt everyone else. Its a really great message. The things you read into it are mean spirited and wrong.

And on the post by By BB trust boycott? on May 30, 2008 9:38 AM

I have dealt with the BB trust groups in the past and they are controlled by lawyers. As a result, these law firms get paid by filing more lawsuits. Previously they fought to keep Costco out. They sued Aero Estates because they felt their flight path reduced their property value! Crazy stuff really. So I dont belive they will ever follow any sort of reason, or fear repurcusions.

Bingo. Take a page out of Jesse Jackson's book of strategies vs. big business and bureaucracy. BB boycott.....someone else was reading my mind. I suggested this months ago to a friend/neighbor. So let's get it started right here and now. While the BB lawyers "schooled" our SB lawyers in a true shark and shark-bait contest, it doesn't make it right to continue sticking it to the taxpayers that may eventually support their development.

Indeed, so it shall be said, so it shall be written; if the BB estate lawyers stick it to us in court, again, we will stick it to them by boycotting any store, any doctor's office, any real estate office, health spa, Starbuck's or whatever y'all build there. If you're a business looking for space, there's plenty of other empty commercial condos for lease up and down Rt. 59...I strongly suggest you look elsewhere.

Pass the word....

By Thanks NSFOC on May 29, 2008 9:21 PM--

Although the judge's opinion was disappointing the NSFOC had their day in court. I am personally amazed at the grass roots effort put forth by this group to address issues they were passionate about and willing to band together to address. This passion displayed by this group is something we need more of not less of in 204. Parents must be involved in the education system and irregardless of our opinions around issues we need to respect that we will not all agree.

I am ashamed though at my fellow district 204 neighbors who instead of debating facts created tension by bashing neighborhoods, threatening to not welcome innocent children into Waubonsie and acusing neighbors of being racist, elitist, etc. These actions really taught me that this community is not what I thought it once was.

Its hard to tell from blogs who made these statements but you know who you are and its a real embarassment to call you neighbors.

I remain concerned about the direction of our Superintendant and School board and so the other lesson learned is how critically important these SB elections are and what damage can be done by not having the right people in these positions. Hopefully we will all carefully chose the successors of the current board members when their seats open in 2009. Afterall, these board members also chose the Superintendant who is IMO a major disappointment. We have a great district and could have done a whole lot better in selecting the leader of the district. What we needed was someone who could unify the district not isolate parents so he could advance his own agenda. It sounds like he is on a limited contract though so lets prepare ourselves to appoint new SB leaders who in turn will appoint the next superintendant. These leaders must be open to working with parents and I firmly believe if the board and superintendant had treated ALL parents with respect our district would not be torn, the NSFOC would never have been created and we could have saved alot of time aggrevation and money.

We need to move on. Its clear the district, Superintendant and SB have little interest in being the catalyst in this process. The community needs to pull together despite the current board and superintendant. They are short term barriers but we are here for the long haul and need to rebuild the community and focus on whats best for all of our kids.
__________________________________________

Thanks, Thanks NSFOC, for an intelligent post. Even though I'm hearing the NSFOC can appeal to a higher court, I think it's time to move on. It was a great effort, though, and had a positive consequence for Metea--getting it off the MWGen land. Of course, the anti-NSFOCers are still so freaked out they can't acknowledge this and probably never will, but given what I heard from some of them at school board meetings and what I've seen posted here, I didn't expect any better.

On the other hand, I'm proud of how the NSFOC leadership conducted themselves throughout this whole process. Throughout all the name calling, mud-slinging and personal attacks, they never lowered themselves to acknowledge it much less retaliate. The NSFOC leaders were the epitome of dignity under pressure, a concept that folks such as Lisa Churchhill and Company and other rabid anti-NSFOCers have obviously never heard of. I do think that in their zeal to tarnish the NSFOC, many in the north succeeded only in tarnishing themselves, and this was an embarrassment for the entire district. I'm still proud to say I'm a southsider.

I do expect there to be a lot of board turnover in 2009 and 2011 and a lot more interested residents from now on. I think there are lessons here we can all take with us to keep this from ever happening again. Let's just hope that folks calm down enough to pay attention to them.

Cheers--D&S

D & S,

I didn't write this it was written to me/about me because I got angry about all the nastiness being written to and about him. The only part written by me is that he was honest and honorable! It freaked me out enough that I asked the editors to pull it, but they haven't chosen to do so.
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By D&S on May 29, 2008 10:51 PM
By to I am a mom too on May 29, 2008 9:33 PM

...honest and honorable...

I hope you are GF's spouse if not, well, let's say maybe you need some attention.
____________________________________

This post is just plain nasty. I didn't think it possible, but you have hit a new low. Congratulations, you are now officially in the gutter.

Thank you NSFOC for a great job! We were finally heard. Yeah we knew it was a long shot but we stood up against a disgraceful school board and had a short win but you got everyone's attention.

Popejoy was not happy with the school board and even stated it in court. So at least we had our say and there were things brought to light that others did not believe and learned first hand in court.

You may have lost but now we all see that the school board is a horrible group that needs to be removed from office and people who are good fro the ENTIRE district need to be put in place. It is time to get out and vote and get Mark Metzger and the rest of the lunatics off the board.

My hat is off to you NSFPC and thank you for standing up when no one would listen.

Metea, I'm not sure we read the same article. I read one in which kids said they are proud of their school and all are welcome there. To me that would show parents who have taught them to be welcoming of new people and proud of themselves. Isn't that the message we all try to send to our kids?
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By Metea Either Way on May 30, 2008 9:02 AM
Its common on both sides, as it seems the parents of the children mentioned in this article demonstrated the same behavior when teaching them that this issue was about "the entitled kids that don't want to go to school with you."

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/978305,6_1_NA30_PRIDE_S1.article

Thanks NSFOC on May 29, 2008 9:21 PM
Although the judge's opinion was disappointing the NSFOC had their day in court. I am personally amazed at the grass roots effort put forth by this group to address issues they were passionate about and willing to band together to address. This passion displayed by this group is something we need more of not less of in 204. Parents must be involved in the education system and irregardless of our opinions around issues we need to respect that we will not all agree.

---------------------------------
Very Well spoken. We now need to remove the school board especially Mark Metzger and get people in there that aren't self-serving and look to heal this district.

By Civics on May 30, 2008 8:44 AM --

You mean I can't gloat? Even just a LITTLE?!!???!!???

No? Ok. So be it.

The great thing about the regulars on this board is that even though we disagreed vehemently about many things, (and agreed vehemently on many others) and it occasionally got snotty, the dialog was good and the debate fair and lively.

I for one would be happy to work with any of Greg, Metea, D+S, Perspective, MR, KK, SSS, a couple of 'Mom' variants (and a few others I am sure I am forgetting) on issues related to the schools.

Our issues are not over. There is still a tight construction timeline to meet, lawsuits to fight, and more 'complications' around the next turn. So I will, with others on this board, be happy to erect a 'big tent' from which to fight the next battles.

But in case it doesnt work out that way....D+S, may I suggest you keep the snipers list active? ;-)
______________________________________

Oh, go ahead. You can have a little gloat, as long as it's in good taste. Here, I'll do one for you. "Told you so! Neener! Neener!" OK?

Our issues definitely are not over, but I think we can agree more on the BB lawsuits. What do you think about BB Trust Boycott's idea. Couldn't hurt. Why not?

I definitely plan on keeping the sniper list going. In fact, they're coming out of the woodwork as we speak. Geesh! Will those anit-NSFOCers ever behave?

TTYL--D&S

Boycott--
You are brilliant (careful, someone may ask if I'm your spouse next). And if we are all working together to boycott the BB land, might that not help us heal? I wonder if school board members read this. Can they legally call for a boycott? Maybe we could all be on the same side again--the side of our kids! Maybe Linda Holmes can redeem herself and talk Naperville city council into permanently zoning it for farmland.

What about it? GF (and Kristin--nice to meet you and sorry I said nice things about your hubby, won't do that again), MR, MH, Metea, D&S, Incredulous, Civics--I'm in if you are. Hey, if we can't get the parents to do it, what about enlisting those kids from WVHS with the shirts? They seem like go-getters!
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By BB trust boycott? on May 30, 2008 9:38 AM
Ok, so everyone seems to be focusing attention on the next lawsuits brought by the BB trust. When the original Eola / Molitor site was being discussed there was an effort made to contact Midwest Gen in opposition to this site. It appeared to have worked because Midwest Gen backed out of their deal.

What if we as a group use the same tactic and approach the BB trust. We could let them know that if their lawsuit proceeds and ends up costing us millions in additional payments that we will not support the eventual business residents or development, i.e. boycott the location?

Unless someone actually wants to see BB win the lawsuits I don't see what the harm would be in organizing and threatening a boycot? After all, fair is fair, aren't they the one's suing us?

Bringing over from other strand...

By Hey Dr Y on May 29, 2008 4:41 PM
Hey Dr. Y: I think the English language version of Judge Popejoy's ruling was directed at you: Suck on it.
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Oh such a comeback...I feel so bad and violated...I want to curl up in the fetal position with my little blankey...NOT. This gross behavior shows the NSFOC's opposition's colors very clearly to all readers of the blogs. Note it people for the future.

The decision appears to be a bit sloppy and shows predisposition of the judge in my view only (more later). He represented his contituents and judicial traditions well. He also showed his weaknesses. Once you rule narrowly as he did on the referendum words, every other argument falls away. One would have hoped that he would not have taken the Mary Hunt email to heart, and that he would have not considered D204's rationale for making the switch as valid based on "facts (?) and circumstances (?)" when it was not (costs the district up to $50M+ more by some estimates), but excluded all facts and circumstances of the plaintiffs.

The decision raises questions for all referendums in the future in Illinois. So thousands of emails, meetings, fliers, etc. mean NOTHING people, so therefore, you must vote NO on any and all future referenda, because you cannot believe what you are told or in what is written. I am sure the SB's and Bond Brokers are celebrating everywhere - not just in D204. How many billions will this cost taxpayers in the ethically challenged State of Illinois?

What's so funny is that even the Eola/Molitor supporters voted NO in the 2006 referendum due to the location (of course, they say there was no location implied or written today - but that just shows hipocracy of people who feel entitled to a HS in their neighborhood in the north - at whatever the costs to the rest D204).

If there is going to be an appeal, (and please note that D204 assured us in advance that they would appeal, so don't blame the NSFOC supporters if they decide to appeal), then I would suggest clarifying the injury a little better, and the judges oversights (if allowed), or bring a new lawsuit.

There are citizens unhappy with the direction of the district and the passiveness of the NSFOC who would like to "bring a hammer" to the matter - in legal terms of course. Let's see if they emerge.

phil

from one musician to another

a lawsuit about a decision making technicality is not taking the gloves off

they argued an ify point at best that was admitted to be an ify point from the beginning

do not give people more resolve

let it go

To D&S
I will stay high up on my moral horse as that is they way I choose to live - by treating people of all backgrounds with respect (other than those who try and stomp on others - like the NSFOC). We always knew the boundaries would not possibly but most probably change and whatever the outcome - we knew it was up to the school board to do so and would NEVER sue to have things go the way I wanted.

By MR on May 29, 2008 10:20 PM
While I am glad the NSFOC complaint was dismissed it is still personally a bittersweet victory for myself and (I think I can speak for them) most of my neighbors in a North Subdivision.
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Don't count me in your list of neighbors. This is an unhappy day in my view, for my family and WVHS. You will only know why over time. I pray for the best and safe outcomes for all people however.

To Happy in the North:

Don't misunderstand, I too think that it is pretty close to being over (slim just walked out the door) but rendering the order appeallable (perhaps this is standard course, I don't know) leaves this issue with a pulse. This was my only point.
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To mom & By:

Read in context to the response to troublemaker. It is equally possible that some of these students were influenced by parents who stomped, pouted, etc. about those "entitled kids from TG/WE who feel its beneath them to attend WVHS", thus the sentiment underlying the effort. Point being, while a noble cause by the students, who's to say that if these parents took the time to dispel the entitlement myth that these shirts are even printed.

“For those considering an appeal . . . .

DISMISSAL WITH PREJUDICE - When a case is dismissed for good reason and the plaintiff is barred from bringing an action on the same claim.”

Of course we would not bring action on the SAME claim. That would be ridiculous. We are working on another angle to try and stop this misguided train and will file a different case very soon. Hopefully we can get an injunction against the SB while this moves along. The Eola site is just plain wrong for so many valid reasons. So don’t worry. The SB may have won a battle but is a long way from winning the war. With any luck we can drag this thing out as long as the dumb Dems have!

There is hope! Keep the faith!

I am amazed that the nsfoc web site has not been updated in the last day reporting the recent ruling. All other bits of news were posted immediatly in the past. I stll see that they are asking for donations though. hmmm....

To mom & BY:

Excerpt from Thanks NSFOC post and furthering my point of the WV T-shirt article.

I am ashamed though at my fellow district 204 neighbors who instead of debating facts created tension by bashing neighborhoods, threatening to not welcome innocent children into Waubonsie and acusing neighbors of being racist, elitist, etc. These actions really taught me that this community is not what I thought it once was.

Hi Mom

Count me in!!

No the boss (Kristin Forrest) was not posting about you, she knows I have been takin a pounding by a few folks and she thought someone as trying to attack me by saying I am not paying enough attention to my wife. She was just settin the record straight and trying to defend me a little.

WELCOME TO THE BLOGS!! to the boss of the Forrest Household: K Forrest. ok I promise no more blogging on the weekends.

Allthough, the Bellevue SD comment is a low blow aimed at me as she knows I never got the opportunity to attend those any of those schools (mine SD was horrible and my school is probably ranked 12,999 out of 13,000).

maybe a boycott and a petition would be a great way to scare off ANY potential buyers of their land if they (BB) dont back off and maybe just settle for their legal fees? From a business standpoint, if you loose thousands of potential customers before you even break ground...well that would make be pause. And if BB can never sell their land, it becomes an illiquid asset which is more of a liability (upkeep/taxes) than an asset.

I will have a cornary if we end up paying BB any more than their legal fees (given the long and bloody history. SOmeonne will have to pick be up and take me to Edwards.

have a good weekend all!! (I promise KF, no blogging from me on the weekends! however, today is not the weekend!! LOL)
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By I am a mom too on May 30, 2008 11:18 AM
Boycott--
You are brilliant (careful, someone may ask if I'm your spouse next). And if we are all working together to boycott the BB land, might that not help us heal? I wonder if school board members read this. Can they legally call for a boycott? Maybe we could all be on the same side again--the side of our kids! Maybe Linda Holmes can redeem herself and talk Naperville city council into permanently zoning it for farmland.

What about it? GF (and Kristin--nice to meet you and sorry I said nice things about your hubby, won't do that again), MR, MH, Metea, D&S, Incredulous, Civics--I'm in if you are. Hey, if we can't get the parents to do it, what about enlisting those kids from WVHS with the shirts? They seem like go-getters!

By I am a mom too on May 30, 2008 10:52 AM
D & S,

I didn't write this it was written to me/about me because I got angry about all the nastiness being written to and about him. The only part written by me is that he was honest and honorable! It freaked me out enough that I asked the editors to pull it, but they haven't chosen to do so.
____________________________________________________________________
By D&S on May 29, 2008 10:51 PM
By to I am a mom too on May 29, 2008 9:33 PM

...honest and honorable...

I hope you are GF's spouse if not, well, let's say maybe you need some attention.
__________________________________________

To Mom: I know you didn't write that. My "nasty" post was directed to the one who hijacked your moniker and posted it. That's the first time I've ever heard the words "honest and honorable" made to sound dirty. But considering the source, we shouldn't be surprised.

By the way, I'm liking the boycott idea. I have always thought the BB lawsuits were the real threats to our district, not the NSFOC. Let's get more feedback and see if others think it would be worth a go.

D&S

I'm not willing to praise NSFOC for anything. They had the opportunity to speak at SB meetings. The SB (that we elected in a democratic process) listened, but chose not to follow their desires in the setting of school boundaries. So, a group of parents found a willing lawyer. And even though he would later say the case was not winnable, he filed suit against the SB. This caused areas of the district to choose sides and a lot of nasty rhetoric resulted. Should we be happy about this? No. At this time of year, we should be celebrating our graduates. Instead, too much focus has been on Judge Popejoy. How much resources have the Sun dedicated to this story. I haven't been to a school meeting where this topic doesn't come up. Let's build the new school, ease the overcrowding. And, if you don't think the schools are overcrowded or you think that's a temporary situation, visit NVHS or WVHS.

me me me; I want to answer #2. LOL

1. BB lawsuits
2. AC
3. future operating referendum
4. SB

will be my Big 4 to blog about. Plenty of topics too much material really. The question should be what are we going to do about the stuff we care about?

I like the idea of getting some kind of plan together for BB issues and where we might be able to help. It might be a tad too early for most folks (and there is plenty of time), but there are two groups with existing infrastructure (websites, contact lists) in place that would make organization a snap. Gulp!

have a good weekend all
GF

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By Simo Haya on May 30, 2008 9:09 AM
The NSFOC train has derailed. The earth movers are working.
Will GF need to find a new cause to blog about?
will D&S ever be able to close out the sniper list?
Will Metea Either Way get the right sized first aid kit?
Will Roger Waters drown in his own bitterness about the dismissal?
Has Save the Earth left the planet?
Will Leupold and Barrett help hit the mark again?

Stay tuned next time for further adventures in Blogville

Just glad the Judge saw the same thing we all saw in the nsfoc."Back door" tactics. Seriously.You severely overestimated yourselves and underestimated the rest of us.There is always a lesson to be learned.

By Anonymous on May 29, 2008 10:04 PM--

Finally - someone who is willing to stand up (very strongly I must admit) for what's right! I have so much respect for Judge Popejoy - not only for his verdict, but for his rightfully strong findings of the NSFOC and their tactics. The NSFOC has only brought turmoil into our well respected community. Their lies and outright selfishness are shameful and should be an example for everyone to live life with a strong moral compass.

By Anonymous on May 30, 2008 11:40 AM
To D&S
I will stay high up on my moral horse as that is they way I choose to live - by treating peo