Evanston, IL, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Over 75 parents gathered in Evanston to express their concerns regarding proposed school closures in the Evanston/Skokie School District 65. The closures could affect Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary, among others, amid a revised budget deficit now estimated at $372,509. Parents argue that the district’s decision-making process has been rushed and lacks transparency, questioning whether closures will address actual financial issues. Community members are now calling for better communication from the school board and for a task force to advocate against the proposed plans.
Evanston, IL – Over 75 parents gathered at the Fat Shallot restaurant to voice their concerns against the proposed school closures in the Evanston/Skokie School District 65. The urgency stems from recent announcements that could drastically impact local schools, including Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary, which find themselves at high risk of closure.
The district unveiled seven potential school closure scenarios, all of which suggest the closure of either Lincolnwood, Kingsley, or both schools. Other schools mentioned in the discussions include Willard, Washington, Dawes Elementary, and King Arts magnet school. Notably, all options on the table involve the elimination of the two-way immersion Spanish-English program at Willard School.
Parents expressed deep concern about the rushed timeline for these decisions, emphasizing that the district has not been transparent with the community. There are doubts regarding whether closing schools will actually address the district’s financial issues. Recently, the projected deficit for the district was revised down to $372,509, a dramatic reduction from the previously estimated $5.69 million.
Many parents argue that the district is not facing a legitimate crisis warranting the swift action of closing schools. They question the adequacy of space in remaining schools for displaced students if closures are implemented, particularly on Evanston’s north side, where Lincolnwood Elementary is located.
Event organizer and Lincolnwood parent Katie Armistead highlighted the importance of ensuring that all children in Evanston have access to a neighborhood school. Concerns have also been raised about the impact of school closures on the Hispanic and Latino communities, especially regarding the potential dismantling of the immersion program.
Parents are now calling for increased communication with the school board and requesting the formation of a task force to continue their advocacy against the proposed closures. Sixth Ward Councilmember Tom Suffredin indicated that the city should be involved in the discussions surrounding school closures. A few parents expressed their dissatisfaction with what they see as a lack of concern from the school board toward north Evanston schools.
John Brady, another Lincolnwood parent, underscored the necessity for families to promptly express their concerns rather than remaining quiet. The district is facing declining enrollment, presently below 60% capacity districtwide, alongside a pressing need for roughly $188 million in building repairs.
The school’s comprehensive analysis suggests that closing King Arts could save around $2.7 million, whereas closing Kingsley and Lincolnwood could each save about $2 million. Parents criticized the lack of collaboration and transparency in the strategic planning for deficit reduction, and caution was voiced that rushing into closures could worsen the district’s financial situation given the declining enrollment trends.
The school board is not anticipated to vote on the closure decisions until late October or early November. In the interim, public feedback sessions have been scheduled for parents and community members to share their opinions and concerns about the proposed closures.
FAQ Section
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What schools are at risk of closure?
Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary are among the schools at high risk of closure, along with Willard, Washington, Dawes Elementary, and King Arts magnet school.
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What is prompting the school closures?
The closures are part of District 65’s strategy to address a revised budget deficit now projected at $372,509.
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When will final decisions about closures be made?
The school board is expected to vote on the proposed closures in late October or early November.
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How can parents voice their concerns?
Public feedback sessions are being planned for parents and community members to express their views on the proposed school closures.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Parents’ Gathering | Over 75 parents met to protest proposed school closures. |
| Schools at Risk | Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary at high risk of closure. |
| Projected Deficit | District 65’s budget deficit revised to $372,509. |
| Vote Timeline | School board decisions expected late October or early November. |
| Public Feedback | Sessions scheduled for community input on the school closures. |
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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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