News Summary
The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Board of Education is deliberating multiple school closures due to financial challenges. Declining enrollment and repeated budget deficits have prompted the board to consider stabilizing the district’s finances by consolidating resources. A public hearing will be held to discuss closure scenarios, with a vote anticipated by fall. Community involvement is emphasized as the district faces a necessary budget reduction of $10 to $15 million. Options will be weighed based on geographic location, equity impact, and building conditions.
Evanston, Illinois – The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Board of Education is currently considering the potential closure of multiple schools to address serious financial challenges. This decision may be voted on this fall, with closures effective next summer, aligning with the opening of the new Foster School. The district has been grappling with declining enrollment and a pattern of three consecutive budget deficits, with a fourth projected for the fiscal year 2026.
School closures are viewed as a necessary step to stabilize the district’s finances and to consolidate resources in classrooms that have seen reduced usage over time. As of mid-August, the only confirmed closure is that of the K-8 Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies, which is set to close after the 2025-2026 school year.
Illinois state law requires the school board to hold three public hearings to gather community feedback before any final decisions regarding closures can be made. The first of these informational meetings is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center. During this meeting, the board will discuss various school closure scenarios developed by committees including community volunteers and district staff. There is the possibility that board members may vote on these scenarios during the meeting, though they are not compelled to do so.
A deadline has been established to facilitate public hearings and reach a final vote on school closures before the winter break in November. Tamara Mitchell, the district’s Chief Financial Officer, stated that if the matter is not resolved beforehand, it will be a topic of discussion at future board meetings.
In evaluating potential school closures, the board will consider several criteria. These include the geographic location of schools, the prospective impact on equity for marginalized student populations, the functionality and condition of school buildings, and the overall financial implications of keeping or closing specific schools. Committees focused on facilities, finance, and student programs have met bi-monthly from April to June 2024 to develop criteria necessary for making informed decisions.
The financial situation of District 65 has become increasingly dire, necessitating a budget reduction of between $10 million to $15 million. Over the past few years, the district has already reduced expenditures by approximately $20 million in previous budget cycles. Key factors influencing the board’s decisions include the walkability of schools for students, considerations of equity for historically marginalized groups, the condition of school facilities, and the need for repairs.
The ongoing financial challenges can be traced back to issues that began impacting the district as far back as 2003. The current plan is focused on creating a sustainable financial structure that can weather future challenges while maintaining educational opportunities in the community.
The school district is emphasizing community involvement in the decision-making process regarding potential school closures. Future meetings will be held to provide additional opportunities for public engagement and feedback before any final decisions are made. The district is committed to ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and taken into account during these critical discussions, as they navigate the complexities of fiscal responsibility and commitment to student needs.
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Additional Resources
- Evanston Roundtable: Potential School Closures District 65
- Wikipedia: School Closure
- Chicago Tribune: D65 May Close Four Schools
- Google Search: Evanston School Closures
- Evanston Roundtable: Evanston School Closures – Equity & Geography
- Google Scholar: School Closure Impact
- ABC7 Chicago: School Closings List
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure
- Evanston Now: D65 Seeking Public Input
- Google News: Evanston D65 School Closures
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