News Summary
Over 75 parents gathered at a local restaurant in Lincolnwood to voice their concerns over proposed school closures in District 65. The community is particularly worried about the potential closure of Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary Schools as part of a restructuring plan. Despite facing a projected deficit, parents argue the timeline for decision-making is too rushed and lack of transparency has raised concerns about the future of these schools. Municipal officials and parents alike are advocating for more dialogue with the school board and a task force to address these closures.
Lincolnwood – Over 75 parents gathered at the Fat Shallot restaurant this week to rally against proposed school closures in District 65, spurred by district leadership’s timeline for making critical decisions. The community is especially concerned about the potential closure of Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary Schools as part of a broader restructuring plan.
District 65 has identified seven potential scenarios for school closures that threaten the future of both Lincolnwood and Kingsley. Each proposed scenario indicates that either Lincolnwood, Kingsley, or both schools may be closed. In addition to Lincolnwood and Kingsley, other schools including Willard, Washington, Dawes Elementary Schools, and King Arts Magnet School are also under scrutiny. Notably, the options on the table include eliminating the two-way immersion Spanish-English program at Willard School.
Parents have expressed multiple concerns regarding this process. Many feel that the timeline for making decisions is too rushed and that there has been a lack of transparency from the school board. Additionally, they have raised doubts about whether these closures will actually solve the district’s financial issues. District 65 is currently facing a projected deficit, recently revised to $372,509, a stark contrast to the much higher previous estimate of $5.69 million.
Parents argue that the district is not in a legitimate crisis that requires immediate action on school closures. They have questioned whether sufficient space will be available in remaining schools for students who would need to relocate following closures. This is particularly pertinent for those in Evanston’s north side, where the impacts of potential closures could be deeply felt.
Municipal officials have also joined the discourse. Sixth Ward Councilmember Tom Suffredin suggested that the city should have a role in discussions surrounding the school closures. Meanwhile, various parents have voiced their dissatisfaction regarding what they perceive as a lack of sensitivity the school board has shown toward north Evanston schools.
Furthermore, the implications of school closures on Hispanic and Latino communities have been a point of concern, particularly regarding disruption to programs like the two-way immersion program. Parents have called for better communication with the school board and for the establishment of a task force aimed at advocating against closures to ensure that every child in Evanston has access to a nearby school.
John Brady, a parent from Lincolnwood, emphasized the importance of immediate community mobilization and highlighted the need for families to voice their concerns without delay. The district is currently dealing with declining enrollment, now below 60% capacity, and an estimated $188 million in necessary repairs for its facilities, which complicates the closure discussions further.
Financially, the comprehensive analysis suggests that closing the King Arts school could save approximately $2.7 million, while closing Kingsley and Lincolnwood each could result in savings of about $2 million. However, there are worries that acting too quickly could exacerbate the district’s financial position, especially in light of decreasing enrollment trends.
The school board is not expected to make any decisions regarding closures until late October or early November, leaving the community with the opportunity to voice their opinions during scheduled public feedback sessions. These sessions will allow parents and community members to express their concerns about the proposed school closures, aiming to foster a more transparent dialogue moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- Evanston Roundtable: District 65 School Closure Recommendations
- Chicago Tribune: Evanston-Skokie District 65 Leans Toward Closing Schools
- Evanston Now: D65 Incomplete School Closing Info Leaked
- Evanston Now: D65 Sets Decision Day for School Closings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
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