RIDE issues order on Elmhurst (click image for PDF)

The RI Department of Education (RIDE) has dismissed a petition filed by a group of parents objecting to the closure of Elmhurst Elementary, according to documents obtained by harddeadlines. According to RIDE spokesman Elliot Krieger, the decision came in the form of an "Order" signed by Commissioner of Education Deborah Gist, dated September 16. (Download the full PDF here.)

The order states that the matter was dismissed "for lack of prosecution." According to a letter dated August 26 and provided by RIDE, the petitioners' legal counsel withdrew from the case in July and more than 40 parents were removed as parties to the appeal, which went forward with Nancy and Malcolm Chrupcala and Dawn Cardeiro representing themselves.

The letter notes that the Chrupcalas and Cardeiro were contacted on July 13 to schedule a hearing date, that they received "further prompting," and that they were "given until September 10, 2010 to inform the Commissioner's Office as to whether or not they intend to move this matter forward."

According to the order, "As of September 14, 2010 no communication has been received from the petitioners indicating that they intended to proceed in this matter. This matter is therefore dismissed with prejudice."

Dismissal with prejudice, according to online sources, means that the case cannot be refiled.

Full disclosure: I am a candidate for Portsmouth school committee, running against Mr. Chrupcala.