District 65, August 15, 2025
News Summary
District 65 is grappling with financial difficulties, leading to potential school closures in response to budget deficits and a drop in student enrollment. The school board is set to vote this fall, with plans to close the Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies by 2026. Community hearings will take place to gather feedback, while various criteria such as equity, geography, and building conditions will guide the decision-making process. The district aims to reduce expenses by up to $15 million to address its financial sustainability.
DISTRICT 65 CONSIDERS SCHOOL CLOSURES AMID FINANCIAL DEFICITS AND DECLINING ENROLLMENT
District 65 is facing significant financial challenges as it struggles with consecutive budget deficits and a continuing decline in student enrollment. As a remedy, the school board is contemplating the closure of one or more schools, with a critical vote anticipated this fall. This strategy is aimed at consolidating underutilized classrooms and improving the district’s overall financial situation.
On Monday, the school board will receive an update concerning the structural deficit reduction plan, which outlines the steps necessary to cut projected expenses. One of the decisions already made is to close the Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies, effective after the 2025-2026 school year. Under current state law, the district is required to hold three public hearings to gather community feedback before any final decisions on school closures are made.
As part of the evaluation for potential school closures, several criteria will be taken into account, including equity, geography, building functionality, and potential revenue from the sale of closed buildings. The Facilities Subcommittee has been actively visiting all District 65 schools to gather necessary data for making informed decisions.
Criteria for School Closures
Geography is weighted most heavily among the criteria used in the decision-making process. This includes considerations of student walkability, as the maximum allowable distance to school is set at 0.75 miles. Efforts are also being made to address equity, ensuring that closures do not disproportionately affect marginalized student populations, including Black students and English language learners.
Many of District 65’s school buildings are aging, with an average age of 79 years. Numerous facilities are in need of overdue repairs and lack proper accessibility for all students. The district aims to cut between $10 million and $15 million from its overall budget to stabilize its financial situation, in addition to reductions previously enacted as part of the structural deficit reduction plan.
Community Involvement and Timeline
To facilitate community involvement and feedback, meetings are scheduled for September and November prior to making any final decisions regarding school closures. The objective is to implement any closures by July 1, 2026, in alignment with the anticipated opening of the new Foster School.
Background on Financial Sustainability
The financial sustainability of District 65 has become a pressing concern, with budgetary issues tracing back to as early as 2003. Continued challenges with falling enrollment figures have exacerbated these longstanding financial difficulties, prompting the district to explore strategies to ensure its future viability.
Key Information Summary
- District 65 faces falling enrollment and budget deficits.
- A vote on school closures may take place this fall.
- Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies will close after the 2025-2026 school year.
- Three public hearings are required before final decisions.
- Criteria for closures include equity, geography, building issues, and potential revenue.
- Community meetings will occur in September and November.
- Budget cuts of $10 million to $15 million are needed for financial stability.
FAQ Section
Why is District 65 considering school closures?
District 65 is considering school closures to address ongoing financial deficits and declining enrollment. The goal is to consolidate underutilized facilities and stabilize the budget.
What criteria will be used to evaluate school closures?
The criteria include equity, geography (student walkability), building functionality, and potential revenue from the sale of closed schools.
When will final decisions about school closures be made?
Final decisions regarding school closures are expected after three required public hearings, with the objective to implement any closures by July 1, 2026.
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Additional Resources
- Evanston Roundtable: Potential School Closures in District 65
- Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
- Chicago Tribune: Closure of Four Schools in District 65
- Google Search: District 65 Evanston School Closures
- Evanston Now: D65 Seeking Public Input on School Closings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: District 65 Evanston
- Daily Northwestern: D65 School Consolidation Criteria
- Google News: District 65 Evanston
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