News Summary
In Evanston, Illinois, over 75 parents convened at the Fat Shallot restaurant to protest against the proposed closures of multiple schools within District 65. The potential closure of Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary schools has raised concerns about its impact on students’ education. Parents are worried about the district’s lack of transparency, the hurried timeline for decisions, and the potential effects on the Hispanic and Latino communities. They are calling for better communication from the school board and the formation of a task force to advocate against the closures.
Evanston, Illinois – Over 75 parents gathered at the Fat Shallot restaurant to rally against the proposed school closures within District 65. This gathering follows the district’s unveiling of seven potential school closure scenarios that place Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary schools at high risk of being shut down. Each proposed scenario suggests the possibility of closing either Lincolnwood, Kingsley, or both, raising alarms among parents regarding the impact on their children’s education.
The discussions on school closures also mentioned Willard, Washington, Dawes, and King Arts schools, with plans potentially affecting the two-way immersion Spanish-English program at Willard. Parents expressed significant concerns about the district’s timeline for making these decisions, particularly the perceived rush in the closure discussions, lack of transparency from the school board, and doubts about whether closing schools would effectively resolve the district’s financial issues.
Currently, District 65 is operating with a projected deficit that has recently been revised down to $372,509, a stark contrast to the previously estimated deficit of $5.69 million. Parents argue that the district does not face a dire crisis that requires immediate school closures. They also raised questions about whether the remaining schools would have sufficient space to accommodate students who would be displaced by the closures. Many parents believe the closures would significantly affect students living in Evanston’s north side.
Lincolnwood parent and event organizer, Katie Armistead, pointed out the importance of access to a neighborhood school for all children in Evanston. Additionally, concerns were expressed regarding the potential negative impact on the Hispanic and Latino communities, particularly those participating in the two-way immersion program.
There is a call among parents for increased communication from the school board and the establishment of a task force dedicated to advocacy against the proposed closures. Sixth Ward Councilmember Tom Suffredin has suggested that city officials should also be involved in the discussions surrounding these school closures. Some parents have voiced dissatisfaction with the school board’s seeming disregard for the concerns of north Evanston schools.
With declining enrollment rates in the district, which currently sits below 60% capacity districtwide, there is ongoing discussion regarding the district’s needs, including an estimated $188 million in repairs for its school buildings. The proposed analysis indicates that closing King Arts could save approximately $2.7 million, while closures of Kingsley and Lincolnwood could save about $2 million each.
Criticism has been directed at the district for its lack of collaboration and transparency throughout the strategic deficit reduction planning process. Some parents worry that acting hastily could exacerbate the district’s financial outlook amid declining enrollment trends. The school board is not expected to vote on any closure decisions until at least late October or early November, as public feedback sessions have been scheduled to give parents and community members an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the potential closures.
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Additional Resources
- Evanston Roundtable: District 65 School Closure Recommendations
- Chicago Tribune: Evanston-Skokie District 65 Leans Toward Closing Schools
- Evanston Now: D65 Incomplete School Closing Info Leaked
- Evanston Now: D65 Sets Decision Day for School Closings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
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