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Lyons Township High School's Long-Overdue Payment Finally in Sight

After years of legal battles and financial woes, Lyons Township High School (LTHS) is finally set to receive a significant payment from the Teachers' Total Outstanding (TTO). According to recent statements made by TTO President Mike Thiessen, the organization will liquidate part of its portfolio of short-term financial instruments to send LTHS the bulk of the money it is owed.

This news comes as a welcome relief for LTHS, which has been embroiled in a costly lawsuit with the TTO. The dispute reportedly cost the TTO over $4 million in legal fees alone, and it's estimated that the high school will receive most of its due funds soon.

LTHS's journey to this point began several years ago when the school district was permitted by the Illinois General Assembly to withdraw from the TTO after resolving a lawsuit. As part of this legislation, LTHS was granted permission to terminate its membership with the TTO and manage its own financial affairs independently.

However, the road to recovery has not been without its challenges. In 2014, an arbitrator ruled that LTHS owed the TTO $764,789.33 in underpaid assessments. While this decision was a setback for the high school, it was far from the worst-case scenario. The TTO had also claimed that LTHS owed approximately $6 million in underpayments dating back to 2000.

Fortunately, an arbitrator rejected the TTO's major claim, ruling in favor of LTHS on this critical issue. This decision has cleared the way for the high school to receive its rightful share of funds and move forward with its financial planning.

The TTO's role in managing the finances of school districts in Lyons Township is significant, as it invests money and handles basic financial matters such as paying bills and cutting checks on behalf of member schools. While LTHS will no longer be a part of this arrangement, other school districts in the township continue to rely on the TTO for its services.

As LTHS looks to put this chapter behind them, they can take comfort in knowing that they have fought hard to secure their rightful payment. According to Thiessen, who was instrumental in driving the lawsuit forward, it will be a relief to finally put an end to the dispute and move on.

The successful resolution of this long-standing issue marks an important milestone for LTHS as it continues to prioritize its financial well-being and focus on providing top-notch education to its students. With the bulk of its owed funds soon to be in hand, the high school can now redirect its attention towards its core mission: educating young minds and preparing them for success.

In conclusion, Lyons Township High School's long-overdue payment from the TTO marks a significant turning point for the school district. After years of legal wrangling and financial uncertainty, LTHS is finally set to receive the funds it deserves. As they look to the future, the high school can take pride in knowing that their perseverance has paid off, and they are one step closer to achieving their goals.

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