Evanston, Illinois, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Over 100 parents and caregivers gathered at Washington Elementary School to express their concerns about proposed school closures in the Evanston/Skokie District 65. The meeting, organized by the ‘Save Washington’ group, highlighted the need for a careful review of the implications of quick decisions on school closures. Advocates emphasized the importance of community voices, particularly regarding equity issues faced by Title I schools. The school board is set to vote on the matter soon, prompting urgent calls for transparency and thoughtful consideration of numerous factors, including budget constraints and educational programs.
Evanston, Illinois – A community meeting held at Washington Elementary School on Thursday brought together over 100 parents and caregivers voicing their concerns regarding the proposed school closures in Evanston/Skokie District 65. The gathering was organized by a newly-formed group named “Save Washington”, which comprises at least 28 caregivers advocating for careful consideration of community needs during the school board’s decision-making process.
The school board is set to vote on pursuing various school closure scenarios on November 17, initiating the public hearing process for each school proposed for closure. Advocates for Washington Elementary have raised alarms over the short seven-week timeframe given between the presentation of closure scenarios on September 29 and the scheduled vote, which they believe may lead to adverse outcomes.
At the meeting, the Washington Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) President emphasized the issue of school closures is more extensive than just one school, advocating for solutions that benefit all students within the district. Parents from other schools, including Dawes and Oakton Elementary, participated in the discussion to broaden perspectives and support collaborative solutions.
Supporters of the “Invest in Neighborhood Schools” initiative also attended, encouraging families at Washington to partake in cross-district coalition building to address common concerns. The proposed school closures raise issues regarding the district’s commitment to equity, particularly as Washington Elementary is one of seven Title I schools serving a high percentage of low-income students.
Washington Elementary is home to vital programs such as the two-way immersion (TWI) curriculum and the Structured Teaching Education Program (STEP) designed to support students with autism. Parents expressed their positive experiences with these initiatives, highlighting that decisions made based on budget constraints should not compromise educational opportunities for students.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding underrepresented voices, especially in light of immigration issues impacting the community. A sense of financial mistrust currently exists following the recent indictment of a former District 65 superintendent for embezzlement, which added urgency to parents’ calls for thoughtful engagement with the school closure process.
City council members have urged the school district to align its financial planning with current and projected population trends in the area. Despite projections indicating declining student enrollment in District 65, city growth plans suggest an increase, fueling ongoing debates about the future of the district’s schools.
Residents and parents are calling for a more measured approach to school closures and are urging the board to consider the long-term implications of any decisions made. The district is facing a budget deficit projected between $10-$15 million by 2027, creating pressure to consider closures in response to declining enrollment rates.
Some members of the school board have expressed a desire for increased transparency and detailed analyses regarding the closure scenarios presented, recognizing the need to engage the community effectively in the decision-making process. To facilitate further public commentary, a special school board meeting will be held at the Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Education Center on October 8.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the community meeting held at Washington Elementary School?
The community meeting aimed to address concerns regarding the proposed school closures by Evanston/Skokie District 65, allowing parents and caregivers to voice their opinions and advocate for their children’s education.
What is the timeline for the proposed school closures?
The school board will vote on the proposed school closures on November 17, which will kickstart the public hearing process for each school that may be closed.
How many schools in District 65 are Title I schools?
Washington Elementary is one of seven Title I schools within District 65, serving a high percentage of low-income students.
What are the implications of the budget deficit for District 65?
The district anticipates a budget deficit of $10-$15 million by 2027, prompting discussions regarding potential school closures as a way to address declining enrollment and financial challenges.
Key Features of School Closure Discussions
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Community Involvement | Over 100 parents and caregivers attended the meeting to voice their concerns. |
| Proposed School Closures Timeline | Vote scheduled for November 17, with only seven weeks for community feedback. |
| Financial Pressure | District projects a budget deficit of $10-$15 million by 2027. |
| Programs Offered | Washington hosts two vital programs: TWI and STEP, important for many students. |
| Equity Concerns | Closure of Title I school raises issues about equity and support for low-income students. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Evanston RoundTable: District 65 Calls Special Meeting for Oct 8 to Discuss School Closures
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Evanston Now: Horton Indictment Hangs Over School Closing Process
- Google Search: Evanston school closures
- Evanston RoundTable: Save Washington School Closure
- Google Scholar: School Closure Impact
- Evanston Now: Board Leaning Towards at Least Two School Closings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure
- Evanston RoundTable: District 65 School Closure Recommendations
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