School board challenges student transfer request

The Chicago School Board filed a court motion yesterday asking the judge to deny an emergency court motion filed by a Lincoln Park High School parent after his son was beaten up Oct. 10 while on his way to school.

The Chicago School Board filed a court motion yesterday asking the judge to deny an emergency court motion filed by a Lincoln Park High School parent after his son was beaten up Oct. 10 while on his way to school. In its response to a Nov. 10 lawsuit filed by the parent, David Neely, a Chicago criminal defense attorney, the board said Neely wants the board to allow him to transfer his son to a school of his choice rather than attend the school within his attendance area, which is DuSable high school on the South Side. “All I want to do is transfer my son to a better school so that his life is no longer in jeopardy,” David said. “I am not asking for much, just that my son be allowed to transfer to a school with a good academic curriculum and a performing arts program so he can continue his aspirations to be a singer.” But Lisa Huge, assistant general counsel for the Chicago Board of Education, said Neely’s suit failed to show that the Board has a “clear duty” to enroll his son in a school of his choice. In her written response to the lawsuit Huge said, “This court should deny the Plaintiff’s emergency motion and enter an award of costs and attorney’s fees against the Plaintiff and in favor of the Board of Education.” Both parties are due back in court tomorrow for another status hearing before Cook County Circuit Court Judge Mary Ann Manson. Michael Vaughn, press secretary for the Chicago Public Schools, said they will work with Mr. Neely to transfer his son to another school. He added that since court proceedings have already begun, “we’ll do our talking there.” Neely’s 15 year-old son Adero, a freshman at Lincoln Park High School on the North Side, has been homeschooled since the attack while he recovers from head injuries he sustained. His doctor has cleared him to return to school after the Thanksgiving break. Adero said he did not know the attackers so he cannot figure out why they targeted him. "I am not in any gangs, and I do not hang out with the wrong crowds. I am model student," he said. The nine boys who allegedly attacked Adero were suspended for 10 days. Five students were charged with aggravated battery after Adero was able to pick them out in a police lineup. A Dec. 8 preliminary hearing is set for the five boys.

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