Evanston, Illinois, October 16, 2025
News Summary
The Evanston-Skokie District 65 school board is grappling with a significant budget deficit, leading to discussions of potential school closures. The board reviewed various closure scenarios during a lengthy meeting as enrollment continues to decline. Concerns were raised by community members regarding transparency and the impact of closures on crucial educational programs. With deferred maintenance costs and low capacity enrollment, the board is stressing the need for strategic solutions to address these financial challenges by mid-November.
Evanston, Illinois – The Evanston-Skokie District 65 school board is facing significant financial challenges, prompting discussions about potential school closures. In a detailed meeting that lasted nearly four and a half hours, the board examined revised closure scenarios aimed at managing a budget deficit that could range from $10 million to $15 million by the 2027 fiscal year.
The discussions centered on the current situation where enrollment across elementary schools is operating at under 60% capacity. The necessity for school closures stems from a combination of declining student numbers and significant deferred maintenance costs, amounting to approximately $188 million, required to repair district buildings. The ongoing financial strain has left the board considering drastic measures to balance the budget by 2030.
In light of these challenges, three school closure scenarios were presented during the meeting. One proposed plan suggests closing Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Dewey elementary schools while converting King Arts magnet school into a neighborhood elementary school. Another scenario involved either Kingsley, Washington, or Dawes in varying combinations.
Concerns regarding these proposals were voiced during public comment sessions, with some community members criticizing the choice of meeting time at 9 a.m. on a weekday, which they argued limited public participation. Additionally, the community expressed a desire for greater transparency regarding the decision-making process. The school board received mixed feedback during this session, with members expressing the need for more time to evaluate the presented closure options fully.
Assistant Superintendent Stacy Beardsley described the scenarios under consideration as manageable, signaling confidence in the board’s ability to navigate these changes. The importance of maximizing building utilization and ensuring sound financial health emerged as top priorities for the newly elected board President, Pat Anderson.
Some board members have suggested a phased approach to closures, allowing for more thorough financial assessments and reduced impact on students. A sense of urgency was reflected when former board President Sergio Hernandez called for immediate action, asserting that delays could hinder critical decisions necessary to ensure the district’s financial stability.
In response to community concerns regarding specialized programs and impacts on marginalized communities due to possible closures, a series of four community feedback meetings will be organized to address these issues directly. The board is aiming to finalize any proposed changes by mid-November and will accept additional feedback and suggestions until November 3.
This recent meeting also highlighted the board’s prior actions, including staff reductions and the closure of Bessie Rhodes Elementary School, which illustrate ongoing difficulties within the district’s fiscal management. Parents are increasingly anxious about the ramifications of school closures on essential programs and the potential adverse effects on underserved student populations. A petition was even presented calling for Hernandez’s resignation amid community dissatisfaction over financial oversight.
The urgency faced by Evanston-Skokie District 65 echoes the broader challenges many school districts face amidst declining enrollment trends and budget constraints, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and community-driven solutions to best serve the educational needs of all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the proposed school closures in District 65?
The proposed school closures are primarily due to a budget deficit of $10 million to $15 million and declining enrollment that is currently below 60% capacity in elementary schools.
What impact will the school closures have on students and the community?
Concerns have been raised about the negative impacts on specialized programs for students and disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
When will the school board finalize its decisions regarding closures?
The board aims to make final decisions regarding proposed school closures by mid-November, following community feedback and further discussions.
Key Features of the School Closure Proposal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Budget Deficit | $10 million to $15 million by the 2027 fiscal year |
| Enrollment Levels | Under 60% capacity in many elementary schools |
| Deferred Maintenance Costs | Approximately $188 million needed for repairs |
| Potential Closures | Lincolnwood, Kingsley, Dewey, King Arts |
| Community Meetings | Four community feedback meetings scheduled |
| Final Decision Timeline | By mid-November, with feedback accepted until November 3 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 Chicago
- Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
- Evanston RoundTable
- Google Search: D65 school closures Evanston
- Daily Northwestern
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Evanston
- NBC Chicago
- Google News: Evanston school closures
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