Judge grants Temporary Injunction to South Park supporters

filed 5:32 p.m.
August 03, 2009 1:46 PM
Scott Lawrence

BEAUMONT - State District Court Judge Bob Wortham has granted a Temporary Injunction to an organization seeking to prevent the Beaumont Independent School District from demolishing the South Park school building.

(Click here to read the entire Temporary Injunction)

Judge Wortham told KFDM he granted the T.I. sought by the Beaumont Heritage Society.

Wortham informed the Heritage Society and the attorney representing B.I.S.D. late Monday afternoon.

On July 1, Judge Wortham issued a Temporary Restraining Order.

Monday's ruling followed a four day hearing last week. A number of South Park supporters attended the hearing, wearing green t-shirts to demonstrate their pride as former South Park "Greenies." Many took part in a petition drive, gathering thousands of signatures from people they say oppose tearing down the school.

Darlene Chodzinkski, Executive Director of the Heritage Society, has said the organization isn't demanding the building remain open as a school. She has told us the primary focus is to prevent the district from tearing down the building due to its historic significance. It was built in 1922.

Attorney Michael Getz represents the Heritage Society. He presented testimony that the district could remodel South Park Middle School more cheaply than it could build a new school based on costs associated with the $389 million bond issue.

Attorney Melody Chappell represents BISD. During closing arguments she said the district, and not a court, is in the best position to determine what's best for students. The district said it's following the wishes of voters in deciding to build a new school at the site.

In his ruling, Judge Wortham said the Beaumont Independent School District promised not to demolish South Park Middle School but then abandoned its promise.

He said each side wanted to present additional witnesses and now they'll have that opportunity.

Judge Wortham told us he's set a trial for September 21 on a Permanent Injunction.

He said technically he must give each side 45 days notice before trial, but he'll work to expedite the process because of its importance to the parties and the city.


http://www.kfdm.com/news/school-33277-district-wortham.html