Evanston, October 15, 2025
News Summary
The Evanston-Skokie District 65 School Board is facing significant backlash from the community regarding proposed school closures due to financial struggles and declining enrollment. During a recent meeting, parents and community members voiced concerns about the potential impact of these closures on families and specialized programs for vulnerable student populations. District officials noted the need to cut $10 million to $15 million from the budget by the 2027 fiscal year, while continuing to address urgent building repairs. The timeline for closure decisions is expected by the end of the year.
Evanston – The Evanston-Skokie District 65 School Board is facing significant community backlash over proposed school closures due to mounting financial difficulties and declining student enrollment. During a heated meeting held Tuesday at Dawes Elementary, parents and community members expressed their anger and concerns about the potential impact of these closures on families and students.
New School Board President Pat Anderson addressed the crowd, acknowledging the challenging decisions ahead while highlighting her personal connection to the school district through her children and granddaughter. District leaders disclosed that they need to cut between $10 million and $15 million from their budget by the 2027 fiscal year to maintain financial stability.
The district has been struggling with financial deficits for several years, and it requires hundreds of millions of dollars for urgent building repairs. Among the schools being considered for closure are King Arts, Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, Washington, and Dawes, primarily attributing this to low student enrollment.
This financial crisis has been worsened by the recent indictment of former Superintendent Devon Horton on charges related to an alleged embezzlement scheme. These developments have escalated community concerns regarding the district’s fiscal management. The school board plans to announce its decisions regarding potential school closures by the end of the year.
Board member Nichole Pickard stressed that any solution would likely disappoint some community members but emphasized the necessity of reaching a sustainable answer for the district’s future. In light of these challenges, a committee has been established to provide guidance on addressing financial shortfalls and the potential impacts of the proposed closures.
Concerns have also been raised about how school closures could affect specialized programming for vulnerable student populations, including those enrolled in RISE and STEP programs. The district has already closed Bessie Rhodes Elementary and reduced staffing in previous years, heightening community apprehension about the implications of further closures.
The recent meeting lasted over three hours, with numerous parents sharing their perspectives on the district’s fiscal responsibility and future direction. Parents have been encouraged to participate in feedback sessions scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday to voice their opinions on the proposed closures.
Criticism has been directed at the district for failing to manage expenses despite experiencing a significant drop in student enrollment over the past six years. Enrollment numbers have decreased from 7,496 to 6,019, amounting to nearly a 20% decline. Meanwhile, the district has seen an increase in the number of administrators, further fueling concerns about financial priorities.
In the lead-up to the meeting, a petition calling for the resignation of then-Board President Sergio Hernandez collected 329 signatures, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction among community members. Hernandez did resign during the meeting amid community pressure and fallout from the indictment of the former superintendent.
Amidst this turmoil, Anderson has vowed to work collaboratively with the board and the community to navigate the challenges facing the district.
FAQs
What are the reasons for the proposed school closures in Evanston-Skokie District 65?
The proposed school closures are primarily due to financial difficulties, requiring the district to cut between $10 million and $15 million from its budget, alongside declining student enrollment.
Which schools are being considered for closure?
The schools under consideration for closure include King Arts, Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, Washington, and Dawes.
How significantly has enrollment changed in the district?
Enrollment in the district has dropped from 7,496 to 6,019, representing approximately a 20% decline over the past six years.
What is the timeline for the school board’s decision on closures?
The school board is expected to announce its decisions regarding potential school closures by the end of the year.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed School Closures | King Arts, Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, Washington, Dawes |
| Budget Cuts Needed | $10 million to $15 million |
| Enrollment Decline | From 7,496 to 6,019 (20% drop) |
| Former Superintendent Indictment | Allegations of embezzlement |
| Future Announcements | Closure decisions by end of year |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Min Woo Lee Wins First PGA Tour Title with New Driver
Bus Driver Shortage Disrupts Schools in Northwest Ohio and Michigan
Kim Son Restaurant Closes After 43 Years in Houston
Houston Cougars Dominate Oklahoma State Cowboys
Hudson School Board Considers Closure of Elementary Schools
Houston Cougars Prepare to Face Struggling Oklahoma State Cowboys
Community Speaks Out Against Proposed School Closures in Evanston
Grapevine Considers Closure of Elementary Schools
Former Superintendent Indicted on Federal Charges
Houston Cougars Gear Up for Key Matchup Against Oklahoma State
Additional Resources
- ABC 7 Chicago
- Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
- NBC Chicago
- Google Search: Evanston Skokie District 65
- Evanston RoundTable
- Google Scholar: Evanston school closures
- Daily Northwestern
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Evanston school district
- Evanston Now
- Google News: Evanston school closure news
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
