A judge has cleared the way for the sale of the former UW-Milwaukee at Washington County campus after rejecting a request to temporarily block the transaction. The decision allows Washington County to continue with plans to sell the property while a separate legal dispute remains before the court.
Washington County Judge Ryan Cain ruled on Friday against a request for a temporary restraining order filed by the Washington County Charitable Foundation. The foundation filed its lawsuit against the county in March, arguing that the planned sale conflicts with the original purpose of charitable donations made to support the campus.
The court’s decision means the county can move forward with the sale while the broader lawsuit continues through the legal system. County officials welcomed the ruling, saying it prevents further delays and reduces the cost of maintaining the unused property.
The former university campus is set to be sold to Ozaukee Christian School, also known as FaithRidge, for $3 million. The Washington County Board approved the sale in August 2025 after considering future options for the property.
The Washington County Charitable Foundation argues that donations provided over many years were intended to support public education. According to the lawsuit, selling the campus to a private institution does not reflect the purpose behind those charitable gifts. The foundation believes the money donated to the campus should continue to benefit public educational programs.
County leaders strongly rejected those claims. They argued that the lawsuit has no legal basis and said the sale represents the best long-term solution for the property following the university’s closure.
In a joint statement after the ruling, County Executive Josh Schoemann and County Board Chairperson Jeffrey Schleif said they were pleased with the judge’s decision. They stated that the ruling allows the county to stop spending taxpayer money on maintaining an unused campus while creating a new educational opportunity for local students.
County officials also said the sale would allow the school to move forward with plans to serve children in Washington County. They described the decision as an important step toward giving the vacant property a new purpose after its closure.
The campus officially closed in June 2024 after the Universities of Wisconsin announced a restructuring plan affecting several two-year campuses across the state. The closure was part of a broader effort to reorganize university operations and address changing enrollment patterns.
Since the campus closed, county leaders have explored different options for the property. They ultimately selected Ozaukee Christian School as the buyer, saying the proposal would keep the site focused on education while preventing the facility from remaining vacant for an extended period.
Although the temporary restraining order was denied, the legal dispute is far from finished. The lawsuit filed by the Washington County Charitable Foundation remains active, and both sides will continue presenting their arguments before the court.
A key hearing is scheduled for August 20, when the court will consider Washington County’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit entirely. If the judge grants that request, the legal challenge could end without moving to a full trial. If the motion is denied, the case would continue through additional legal proceedings.
The outcome of the lawsuit could help clarify how charitable donations connected to former public educational institutions may be used after campuses close or change ownership. It may also provide guidance for similar situations involving university property across Wisconsin.
For now, the latest court ruling allows the Washington County Campus Sale to proceed as planned. County officials remain confident that the transaction is lawful and in the community’s best interest, while the charitable foundation continues to argue that the original intent of donor contributions must be protected. The final outcome will depend on future court decisions as the case moves forward
