Evanston, October 15, 2025
News Summary
A rally in Evanston saw strong community support for Dawes Elementary School as parents and residents protested potential school closures. Concerns about budget cuts and representation for non-English speaking families were raised, reflecting a desire for equity in educational resources. With a looming decision by the District 65 Board of Education, participants emphasized the importance of keeping the school open as a vital community resource.
Evanston — A rally was held on Tuesday evening in Evanston to protest the potential closure of Dawes Elementary School. The gathering, which saw an attendance of parents, grandparents, children, and other community members, served as a vocal opposition to the considerations put forth by the District 65 Board of Education as part of its strategy to address its ongoing budget crisis. The rally took place prior to a crucial meeting between district administrators and the community regarding the school’s future.
Participants at the rally expressed their views passionately, chanting slogans such as “Hey hey, hey hey, Dawes School has got to stay” and “Title I, we are one, don’t close Dawes, we’re not done.” These demonstrations indicate not only a strong desire to keep the school open but also to advocate for the needs of all community members, particularly those associated with Title I schools.
The District 65 Board of Education is currently deliberating two particular scenarios that may lead to the closure of three schools. One scenario includes shutting down Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Washington schools, while the second option proposes to close Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Dawes. This comes amid a budget shortfall estimated at $10 to $15 million, with the district having operated at a deficit for several years due to declining student enrollment numbers.
During the rally, numerous attendees voiced concerns regarding the decision-making process surrounding school closures. Some parents highlighted the lack of inclusivity in the discussions, noting that not all community voices were adequately represented. Specifically, complaints arose surrounding meetings that were predominantly conducted in English, which posed challenges for non-English speaking families, particularly those who spoke Spanish. Parents emphasized that translation services do not guarantee meaningful representation or participation in crucial decision-making processes.
Moreover, concerns were raised about transparency, with participants questioning why only seven scenarios had been presented to the public in the ongoing budget discussions. This skepticism has been further amplified by turmoil within the district, following the indictment of former superintendent Devon Horton on charges related to wire fraud and embezzlement, undermining community trust in the school board.
The three-hour follow-up meeting that took place after the rally was described as emotionally charged, with community members earnestly engaging with board members on the future of the schools involved in the potential closures. This meeting underscored a growing demand among participants for empathy, transparency, and genuine inclusion in the decision-making process regarding school closures.
As the school board gears up to finalize decisions on potential school closures by the end of the year, attendance at the rally by parents from Dawes Elementary highlights the desire to preserve the school as a vital community resource. Moreover, the outcry reflects broader issues of equity in educational resources within the district, which particularly affects schools designated as Title I.
With community voices becoming more active in the discussions surrounding school closures, the District 65 Board of Education finds itself at a crossroads, trying to navigate budget issues while also addressing the concerns of parents and community members.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the rally against Dawes Elementary’s closure?
The rally was organized to oppose the potential closure of Dawes Elementary as a response to District 65’s efforts to address a budget shortfall of $10 to $15 million.
What concerns did parents raise during the rally?
Parents raised concerns regarding the lack of representation for non-English speaking families, the limited availability of meeting formats, and the transparency of the decision-making process regarding school closures.
What are the proposed school closure scenarios?
The board is considering two scenarios that would lead to the closure of three schools, with one option closing Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Washington, and another closing Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Dawes.
Key Features of the Dawes Elementary Rally
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Rally | Tuesday Evening |
| Location | Dawes Elementary School, Evanston |
| Attendance | Parents, Grandparents, Children, Community Members |
| Key Issues Addressed | Potential school closures, budget shortfall, community representation |
| Decisions Deadline | End of the Year |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Evanston School Board Faces Community Backlash Over Closures
Community Speaks Out Against Proposed School Closures in Evanston
Parents Protest Proposed School Closures in Evanston
Evanston District 65 Considers Closure of Elementary Schools
Additional Resources
- ABC 7 Chicago
- Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
- Evanston RoundTable
- Google Search: Dawes Elementary School closure
- WGN TV
- Google Scholar: Evanston School Closure
- Fox 32 Chicago
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Evanston
- Evanston Now
- Google News: Evanston School Budget Deficit
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