News Summary
The Evanston-Skokie District 65 School Board is experiencing strong community backlash as it considers closing schools due to a financial crisis and declining enrollment. Parents voiced their frustrations during a recent meeting, highlighting the adverse impact on families and students. A budget shortfall of $10 to $15 million has prompted discussions about potential closures of several schools, including King Arts and Dawes. Community concerns have further intensified following allegations of embezzlement against former Superintendent Devon Horton, leading to calls for better oversight and management from the school board.
Evanston, Illinois – The Evanston-Skokie District 65 School Board is facing significant community backlash as it considers potential school closures in response to a financial crisis and declining enrollment. An emotional meeting held at Dawes Elementary on Tuesday drew a large crowd of concerned parents and community members protesting the proposed plans.
Parents voiced their frustrations, accusing the school board of decisions that adversely impact families and students. Board President Pat Anderson acknowledged the gravity of the situation, sharing her personal connections to the district through her children and granddaughter.
Officials from District 65 reported that the district must address a budget shortfall of between $10 million and $15 million to stabilize its finances by the 2027 fiscal year. This budget crisis follows years of financial deficits that have placed the district in dire need of extensive repairs amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars for its buildings.
Among the schools being considered for closure are King Arts, Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, Washington, and Dawes. The primary reason for these potential closures is a stark drop in enrollment numbers. Over the last six years, student enrollment has decreased from approximately 7,496 to 6,019, reflecting a decline of about 20 percent. In contrast, the number of district administrators reportedly has increased, leading to criticisms about the management of the district’s expenses.
Adding to the district’s financial turmoil, former Superintendent Devon Horton was indicted last week for alleged embezzlement through a kickback scheme, which has intensified the district’s financial woes. This scandal has raised further concerns among community members about the district’s leadership and fiscal responsibility.
During the meeting, board member Nichole Pickard noted that no solution would satisfy everyone involved. She stressed the need for a timely decision that would secure the future of the district and its students. The school board is expected to announce its decisions regarding school closures by the end of the year.
In response to the financial challenges and proposed closures, a committee has been established to provide guidance on addressing budget shortfalls and the implications of school closures. Parents expressed concern that school closures could particularly impact vulnerable student populations, including those in specialized programs such as RISE and STEP.
Community worries were exacerbated by previous actions taken by the district, as Bessie Rhodes Elementary was closed, and staff reductions have already been implemented in recent years. This history has contributed to the emotional tone of discussions about the future of the schools.
Sergio Hernandez, who was the Board President before the meeting, resigned amid community pressure and the fallout from Horton’s indictment. A petition demanding Hernandez’s resignation collected 329 signatures before the meeting, further underscoring the community’s discontent with the board’s decisions and leadership.
The meeting extended for over three hours, providing a platform for numerous parents to share their views and concerns regarding the future of the district. To encourage community engagement, the district is hosting feedback sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, inviting parents to voice their opinions on the proposed school closures.
As the Evanston-Skokie District 65 School Board navigates these turbulent challenges, Anderson has committed to collaborate with both the board and the community to find solutions that address the financial challenges facing the district.
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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
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