Cheyenne Parents File Lawsuit Against Wyoming State Construction Department Over Closure of Eight Neighborhood Schools

Cheyenne families are taking a stand against the Wyoming State Construction Department and the School Facilities Commission’s decision to close eight historic neighborhood elementary schools, filing suit in the Laramie County District Court. 
 
Katie Dijkstal, a Jessup parent, and Franz Fuchs, a soon-to-be Deming parent, are petitioning the Court to review the final agency actions, which adopted “Remedy 4” from the Laramie County School District #1 (LCSD1) District-wide Elementary School Most Cost-Effective Remedy Study (MCER). The implementation of Remedy 4 results in the closure of eight vital neighborhood schools across Cheyenne with no replacements. 
 
“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 lawsuit alleges 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. 
 
“Rules, regulations and policies exist to ensure the right to a fair and equal education for all Wyoming children,” continued Dijkstal. “Circumventing these regulations puts our children’s rights at risk. Unfortunately, our government officials are handpicking which laws apply – and our children and community will undoubtedly suffer because of their misguided decisions.”
 
“The failure to involve the communities and families who are most impacted by this heavy-handed government action completely undermines the citizens it serves, the families who are deeply impacted and the future of our district and community,” said Dijkstal. “These actions do not represent the values of our community, and the outcome neither considers nor prioritizes the students or educators in LCSD1. Instead, they reflect a decision-making process favoring the desires of government, not the desires of the people.”
 
The families are 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.