Evanston School District Considers Potential Closures

News Summary

The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Board of Education is evaluating the closure of several schools to address financial challenges due to declining enrollment and budget deficits. A decision on potential closures is expected this fall, with the goal of improving the district’s financial health as it prepares for the opening of the new Foster School. Community input will be gathered through public hearings prior to any final decisions. The district aims to reduce its budget by $10 million to $15 million, exploring various criteria for school closures.

Evanston, Illinois – The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Board of Education is considering the closure of several schools due to significant financial challenges, including declining enrollment and a series of budget deficits. A decision regarding potential school closures may be voted on this fall, with closures set to take effect next summer to align with the opening of the new Foster School.

The current situation has led to three consecutive budget deficits, with a fourth projected for fiscal year 2026. The district’s leaders are weighing school closures as a possible avenue to address these fiscal issues and consolidate underutilized classrooms. The closures, if approved, would aim to enhance the district’s financial health, which has been compromised over many years.

As of August 11, no specific schools have been identified for closure, aside from the pre-approved closure of the K-8 Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies after the 2025-2026 school year. Illinois state law requires that the school board conduct three public hearings to gather community feedback before any final decisions are made regarding school closures.

The first public meeting to discuss potential closures is set for 6 p.m. in the board room at the Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center. During this meeting, the board will engage in discussions based on school closure scenarios developed by committees consisting of community volunteers and district staff. Board members may vote on various closure scenarios during this session, though they are not obligated to reach a decision at that time.

A deadline in November has been established to facilitate public hearings and secure a final vote on the proposed school closures before the winter break. District 65 Chief Financial Officer Tamara Mitchell has indicated that decisions on closures would be included in the agenda if not finalized sooner.

In assessing potential school closures, board members will consider various criteria, including geographic location, the equity impact on marginalized student groups, the condition and functionality of school buildings, and the projected financial impact. Committees that focused on developing closure criteria include the Facilities, Finance, and Student Programs Committees, which convened bi-monthly from April to June 2024.

The district aims to reduce its budget by $10 million to $15 million, following previous budget cuts amounting to approximately $20 million. Key considerations guiding the closure decisions will include the walkability of schools for students, equity implications for historically marginalized populations, as well as the condition of school facilities and the required repairs.

The financial struggles faced by District 65 have roots extending back to 2003, highlighting a long-standing issue with budgetary management. Future meetings are anticipated to promote community involvement and feedback, ensuring that stakeholders have a platform to voice their opinions prior to any determinations about school closures.

The district remains committed to involving the community in this critical decision-making process, as the outcome will have significant implications for students and their families in Evanston and Skokie. Those interested in participating or learning more about the process are encouraged to attend the upcoming meetings and engage with the school board during this challenging period.

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Additional Resources

• Evanston Roundtable: Potential School Closures District 65
• Wikipedia: School Closure
• Chicago Tribune: D65 May Close Four Schools
• Google Search: Evanston School Closures
• Evanston Roundtable: Evanston School Closures – Equity & Geography
• Google Scholar: School Closure Impact
• ABC7 Chicago: School Closings List
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure
• Evanston Now: D65 Seeking Public Input
• Google News: Evanston D65 School Closures