KFDM-TV Channel 6

Judge working hard on South Park school case

December 22, 2009 10:51 AM
Scott Lawrence

A state district judge in Beaumont tells KFDM News he's working hard to issue a ruling in the South Park school case, but Judge Bob Wortham says the complexity of the case and size of the transcript he must read makes a ruling by Christmas unlikely, if not impossible.

Judge Wortham is deciding whether BISD can demolish South Park Middle School. Supporters of the 86 year old building say they want to preserve at least some it for future use as a campus or for some other use.

The school has been caught in legal limbo since July when the Beaumont Heritage Society sued BISD to prevent the district from tearing down the building to build a new one as part of the $389 million bond program.

Judge Wortham granted a Temporary Injunction in August but hasn't ruled on a Permanent Injunction.

The school board last month moved forward with plans to demolish the school by approving a bid for the work.

Judge Wortham says his docket has been filled with cases during the past several weeks, and he must deal with those while working on the ruling.

The Jefferson County Courthouse is closed Thursday and Friday.

Judge Wortham says he'll continue working on the ruling between Christmas and New Year's. He hopes to rule by year's end or during the first week of 2010.