Evanston-Skokie, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Evanston-Skokie District 65 is confronting significant financial challenges and declining enrollment, resulting in the potential closure of up to four schools by the end of the 2026-2027 school year. As part of a Structural Deficit Reduction Plan aimed at addressing a budget shortfall between $10 million and $15 million, the school board will discuss these issues in upcoming meetings. While many schools are currently operating at below 60% capacity, a new school, Foster School, is set to open in the Fifth Ward. Community engagement will be crucial in shaping the final decisions.
Evanston
Evanston-Skokie District 65 is grappling with severe financial challenges and declining enrollment, prompting officials to consider closing up to four schools by the end of the 2026-2027 school year. The school board is set to address this critical issue during an upcoming meeting, where financial constraints and district capacity will be key topics of discussion.
The district has developed a Structural Deficit Reduction Plan (SDRP) to address a projected budget shortfall of between $10 million and $15 million by the fiscal year 2027. Due to declining enrollment, many elementary schools are operating at less than 60% capacity, putting a strain on the district’s financial resources. In addition, the facilities themselves are in dire need of approximately $188 million in repairs and deferred maintenance.
Despite these impending closures, a new school, Foster School, is on track to open in the Fifth Ward simultaneously. The school board has opted to form three budget reduction committees focused on finance, facilities, and programs. These committees comprise parents, caregivers, community members, and district staff tasked with offering advice to guide the SDRP process.
Decision-Making Process Timeline
The initial scenarios for potential school closures will be presented at a school board meeting scheduled for September 29. However, no final decisions are anticipated until at least late October. The district plans to solicit community feedback through four public input sessions and an online survey set for mid-October.
The evaluation process for determining which schools may close will be based on five broad categories: geography, equity, building cost, building functionality, and income potential. The geographical category will weigh heavily, considering factors such as walkability, transportation needs, and proximity to other schools. The equity assessment will look at how closures could impact different demographic groups.
Current Enrollment Trends and Financial Implications
Since 2018, District 65 has witnessed a 20% decrease in enrollment, which has exacerbated budget concerns as current building occupancy stands at only 65% capacity. Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies is already set to close at the end of the current school year due to similar financial and enrollment-related issues. This development has elicited strong emotional reactions from students and parents alike.
Despite these ongoing struggles, district leaders report a reduction in deficit estimates for the current fiscal year, though they continue to face various financial challenges. The school board will not be able to finalize any closure decisions until after multiple hearings, which may extend into November.
Community Engagement and Future Steps
The district emphasizes that community engagement is pivotal to the decision-making process. The feedback received through public input sessions will be invaluable in shaping any potential decisions. Furthermore, previously proposed closure scenarios remain fluid and have not yet been set in stone, following reports from a finance committee presentation.
In addition to these financial concerns, the district has recently enacted a new cellphone policy aimed at minimizing distractions during school hours, requiring students to store their phones unless they have documented medical needs.
The upcoming months will prove critical for Evanston-Skokie District 65 as it navigates these pressing challenges, working to stabilize its budget while maintaining educational quality for its students.
FAQs
Why is Evanston-Skokie District 65 considering closing schools?
The district is facing severe financial challenges, needing to cut between $10 million and $15 million from its budget due to declining enrollment and high operational costs.
When will the school board make a decision about school closures?
The school board will present potential closure scenarios on September 29, with final decisions expected no earlier than late October.
What factors will the school board consider when evaluating school closures?
Evaluations will consider geography, equity, building cost, building functionality, and income potential.
How can the community provide feedback on the proposed closures?
The community can participate in four public input sessions and an online survey, scheduled for mid-October, to voice their opinions and concerns.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Shortfall | $10 million to $15 million by FY 2027 |
| School Capacity | Elementary schools operating at below 60% capacity |
| Cost of Repairs | Approximately $188 million needed in repairs and maintenance |
| Enrollment Decline | 20% decrease since 2018 |
| New School Opening | Foster School in the Fifth Ward |
| Decision Timeline | Scenarios presented on September 29; final decisions possibly in November |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Evanston District 65 Responds to School Closure Concerns
Impact of COVID-19 School Closures on Economy Revealed
Hudson School Board Contemplates Closing Elementary Schools
High School Students Experience Decline in Reading and Math Scores
Evanston School Board Faces Budget Deficit and Enrollment Decline
District 65 Weighs School Closures Due to Financial Strain
Vallejo City Considers School Closures Amid Budget Crisis
Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Considers School Closures
Additional Resources
- Evanston RoundTable: District 65 School Closure Evaluations
- Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
- ABC7 Chicago: District 65 Students Head Back Monday
- Google Search: D65 School Closures
- Evanston RoundTable: District 65 on Leaked School Closure Data
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Evanston Skokie School District 65
- Evanston Now: D65 Sets Decision Day for School Closings
- Google News: Evanston School Closures
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