State says families can't leave Waukesha schools for Elmbrook

State officials have rejected a request by a group of 65 families who want to leave the Waukesha School District for Elmbrook, but an attorney for the group said he will explore options for a further appeal of the decision.

The state School District Boundary Appeals Board voted 2-1 last week to deny the request. The residents appealed to the state after their petition to switch districts was shot down by the Waukesha School Board in February, although Elmbrook approved the request.

Ron Stadler, the attorney representing the group, said his clients have asked him to look into a circuit court appeal. "Obviously we were disappointed in that vote," he said.

Stadler would not comment on the likelihood of an appeal, but said it would need to occur within 30 days from the May 15 denial.

The 117-property neighborhood is located in the town and city of Brookfield, near Wisconsin Hills Middle School. It is adjacent to current Elmbrook boundaries.