Evanston, October 15, 2025
News Summary
The Evanston Skokie School District 65 is facing a severe budget deficit of up to $15 million, prompting discussions about potential school closures and staffing reductions. Several schools, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literacy and Fine Arts School, may be impacted as the board seeks solutions. Parent concerns have emerged regarding the effects of these closures on local communities and specialized education programs. A new board president is now in place as the district navigates this financial crisis and considers the fate of its schools.
Evanston
The Evanston Skokie School District 65 is grappling with a significant budget deficit of up to $15 million for the upcoming school year. During a special board meeting held on Tuesday morning, school leaders discussed drastic measures, including the potential closure of several schools, in response to financial challenges and declining enrollment rates.
With the district’s struggles growing apparent, the board is weighing options to address the budget shortfall. Proposed school closures could impact institutions such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literacy and Fine Arts School, along with neighborhood schools like Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Washington. The board has already voted to close Bessie Rhodes Elementary at the end of the current school year and has implemented staffing reductions.
Concerns have arisen among parents regarding the potential consequences of closing schools, particularly on local communities and students in specialized programs such as RISE, STEP, and those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Many parents fear that hasty decisions on closures may not yield effective solutions to the district’s financial woes. The board is currently taking parent feedback into account as part of its planning process.
To navigate the financial crisis, a committee has been established to offer guidance on addressing the budget gap and determining which schools may close. The board is expected to announce its findings and decisions regarding school futures in November.
During the meeting, board president Sergio Hernandez announced his resignation amid increasing pressure following the indictment of former superintendent Devon Horton. Horton has been charged with 17 counts, including wire fraud and tax evasion. The community has expressed unrest, with a petition for Hernandez’s resignation collecting 329 signatures.
In the wake of Hernandez’s departure, board member Patricia S. Anderson was unanimously appointed as the new board president. Anderson’s platform emphasizes improving the district’s financial situation and promoting equity within schools. Attendees at the board meeting responded positively, applauding the new appointment.
Amid discussions around school closures and fiscal responsibility, the district faces growing scrutiny over how funds are managed and the adequacy of staffing levels in light of declining student enrollment. Parents are awaiting additional communications regarding feedback sessions scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, in which further details on potential changes will be discussed.
The board is currently exploring various scenarios for school consolidations and closures to stabilize the district’s finances and seek sustainable solutions for the education of local children. The outcomes of these deliberations and a clearer path forward for the district remain pivotal in the coming weeks.
FAQ
What financial issue is Evanston Skokie School District 65 facing?
The district is facing a budget deficit of up to $15 million for the upcoming school year.
What actions are being considered to address the budget shortfall?
The district is considering closing several schools to mitigate the deficit and has already voted to close Bessie Rhodes Elementary after this school year.
Which schools are at risk of closure?
Potential closures include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literacy and Fine Arts School, Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Washington schools.
What concerns do parents have about school closures?
Parents are worried about the impact of school closures on their neighborhood schools and the effectiveness of hastily made decisions.
What is the timeline for decisions regarding school closures?
The board will announce decisions regarding the future of the schools in November.
Key Features of the Financial Crisis in Evanston Skokie School District 65
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Budget Deficit | $15 million |
| Proposed Closures | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literacy and Fine Arts, Lincolnwood, Kingsley, Washington |
| Closed School | Bessie Rhodes Elementary |
| New Board President | Patricia S. Anderson |
| Parent Concerns | Impact on local schools and specialized programs |
| Decision Timeline | November |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- ABC 7 Chicago
- Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
- NBC Chicago
- Google Search: Evanston Skokie School District 65
- Evanston RoundTable
- Google Scholar: Evanston Skokie School District budget deficit
- Daily Northwestern
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School closures
- Evanston Now
- Google News: Evanston School District 65 closure
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