Chicago Tribune 03-09-2000 (Mold in School)

Judge refuses to stop District 200 lawsuit

Leann Spencer

DuPage County Judge Hollis Webster denied a motion by defense attorneys to dismiss a lawsuit against Wheaton Warrenville School District 200.

The district is being sued by parents who want the judge to permanently close Johnson School on grounds that the school poses environmental hazards that could pose health risks to occupants.

“Now the case can go forward, and we can seek monetary damages on behalf of the children and their families,” said attorney Tom Zimmerman, who is representing about 40 families in the class action suit. The suit seeks $33.6 million in damages and asks that the building be permanently closed. The judge’s ruling on Tuesday allows the case to go to a trial.

District officials have vehemently denied that the 10-year-old school building is a health hazard.