Parent's Group Says It Will Fight On; Regents Praise Judge's Ruling on Price Lab Lawsuit

A group of parents and community members who support keeping open say they will fight on despite a judge's ruling that says their school can be closed.

On Monday, Black Hawk County District Judge Alan Pearson dismissed a lawsuit  . The group had argued the Iowa Board of Regents does not have the legal power under state law to close the school, which is set to officially shut its doors June 30.

Price Lab, which had more than 350 pre-K to 12 students enrolled last year, has served as part of the teacher training program, as well as filling the role of the state's Research and Development School. It was closed at the end of the school year as part of at UNI.

The advocacy group Citizens and Students United for UNI released a one sentence statement Monday night:

"We will, of course, appeal Judge Pearson's verdict. We view today's actions as part of the process. This is far from over and we have not given up.

-The Support Price Lab/Iowa's Research & Development School Community"

In contrast, the Board of Regents issued a statement Monday afternoon praising the judge's decision:

"The Board of Regents is pleased with today’s ruling by the Iowa District Court upholding the Board’s decision to close the Malcolm Price Laboratory School at UNI.  This ruling allows the University to continue its work to advance the College of Education as a leader in pre K-12 education and secure its future in its most important role of educating Iowa’s teachers."