Evanston, August 14, 2025
News Summary
The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Board is contemplating the closure of multiple schools due to significant financial challenges, including declining enrollment and ongoing budget deficits. A vote on potential closures may be held this fall, with the goal of reducing the district’s budget by $10 to $15 million. Public hearings will involve community input before any final decisions are made, focusing on factors such as geographic location, equity, and building conditions.
Evanston – The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Board of Education is considering the closure of multiple schools as it grapples with significant financial challenges, including ongoing deficits and declining student enrollment. A vote on potential school closures may take place this fall, with any closures scheduled for next summer coinciding with the opening of the new Foster School.
The district has experienced three consecutive budget deficits, with projections indicating a fourth deficit in fiscal year 2026. As a result, the board is exploring school closures as a strategy to enhance its financial standing and consolidate underutilized classrooms. As of mid-August, no specific decisions have been made about which schools may be closed, aside from the K-8 Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies, which is set to close after the 2025-2026 academic year.
Illinois state law requires the school board to conduct three public hearings to gather community input before making final decisions regarding school closures. The first of these informational meetings will take place at 6 p.m. in the board room at the Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center. During this meeting, board members will review school closure scenarios developed by volunteer and staff committees.
While there is the possibility that board members could vote on these scenarios during the meeting, it is not mandatory. A deadline has been established for November, ensuring public hearings occur and a final vote is held before the winter break. Chief Financial Officer Tamara Mitchell has indicated that the possibility of considering school closures will be on the agenda if it has not been previously addressed.
Factors influencing the decision-making process for potential closures include the geographic location of schools, the impact on equity for marginalized student populations, the condition of school buildings, and the financial ramifications of such decisions. Committees focused on Facilities, Finance, and Student Programs have been meeting bi-monthly since April to develop the criteria for evaluating school closures.
The district is aiming for a budget reduction of between $10 million and $15 million, with approximately $20 million already cut from its budget in prior phases. The overall financial landscape for District 65 has been troubled, with budgetary issues extending back to 2003. Future community meetings will be held to provide opportunities for residents to engage and offer feedback before any final decisions on school closures are made.
Background Context
The recent proposals for school closures in Evanston/Skokie School District 65 are rooted in a persistent financial crisis exacerbated by falling enrollment numbers. The funding challenges faced by the district are a topic of ongoing concern for community members and educators alike. The consideration of school closures represents a significant effort to address longstanding budget issues while aiming to maintain quality educational options for students.
Key Considerations for School Closures
- Geographic Location: Accessibility for students.
- Equity Impact: How closures will affect historically marginalized groups.
- Building Functionality: Condition and effectiveness of school facilities.
- Financial Impact: The potential cost savings from closing schools.
Future Engagement Opportunities
The district encourages community involvement and feedback during this critical period of evaluation and decision-making. Public meetings will be held to ensure voices from all segments of the community are heard regarding the potential impact of school closures on families and students.
FAQ
What are the reasons for considering school closures in Evanston/Skokie School District 65?
The district is experiencing financial difficulties, marked by falling enrollment and sustained budget deficits. School closures aim to consolidate resources and improve financial health.
How many schools are potentially affected by the closures?
While the specific number of schools to be closed has not yet been determined, the board is reviewing several scenarios developed by community committees.
What is the timeline for decisions regarding school closures?
A series of public hearings will occur before a final vote in November, allowing for community input before any decisions are finalized.
How will the district evaluate which schools will be closed?
The evaluation will consider geographic location, equity impacts, building functionality, and financial ramifications.
What happens after the November vote?
If closures are approved, they will take effect after the current school year, coinciding with the opening of the new Foster School.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Financial Crisis | Sustained budget deficits and declining enrollment. |
| Impact of Closures | Potential to improve financial stability through consolidating resources. |
| Community Engagement | Public hearings required for input before any decisions are made. |
| Evaluation Criteria | Assessing geographic location, equity, building needs, and financial impacts. |
| Timeline | Public hearings by November; decisions made before winter break. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Evanston Roundtable: Potential School Closures District 65
- Wikipedia: School Closure
- Chicago Tribune: D65 May Close Four Schools
- Google Search: Evanston School Closures
- Evanston Roundtable: Evanston School Closures – Equity & Geography
- Google Scholar: School Closure Impact
- ABC7 Chicago: School Closings List
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure
- Evanston Now: D65 Seeking Public Input
- Google News: Evanston D65 School Closures
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