Cheyenne Parents File Lawsuit Over School Closure Plans

Some Cheyenne parents have filed a lawsuit to stop the eventual closure of 8 elementary schools in Laramie County School District#1.

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The closures are the planned result of a cost-effective remedy study recommended by the Wyoming State Construction Department. Two new schools would be built in the district. One of those would be a 5-6 school in the South Triad which would open in 2027. The other would be a new K-4 school in the East Triad.. A couple of other schools would be rebuilt.

Lawsuit Challenges Planned School Closures

But the study also recommends closing eight elementary schools over the next few years. That list includes Miller, scheduled for closure in 2025. The other schools slated for closure include Deming [2026], Jessup [2027], Heber, Bain, Lebhart, and Fairview [all scheduled for closure in 2029] and Henderson, scheduled for a 2033 closure.

But  local parents have filed a lawsuit in Laramie County District Court against the plan. The plaintiffs include Katie Dijkstal, a Jessup parent, and Franz Fuchs, who according to a news release is a soon-to-be Deming parent.

The release says “Laramie County School District 1, the School Facilities Commission, and the State Construction Department all refuse to take accountability for this unprecedented study and subsequent decision,” said Katie Dijkstal. “Now families are forced to take this action to protect the rights of our students. It’s no wonder no one wants to take responsibility for this decision, which will irreparably harm students, families and the Cheyenne community.”

The release says "the Commission’s decision was arbitrary and capricious, exceeded its authority by forcing school closures, and failed to adhere to proper procedures. The families argue that these closures jeopardize students’ constitutional right to an equal and quality education."

The suit is calling for the Court to set aside the agency’s decision and ensure that future actions are guided by the law, transparency and a commitment to the best interests of students and communities.