News Summary
In Evanston, a rally brought together parents, grandparents, and community members in opposition to the potential closure of Dawes Elementary School due to budget issues facing District 65. Attendees expressed their concerns about the lack of adequate representation in discussions surrounding the closures, particularly for Spanish-speaking families. The school board is considering multiple closure scenarios as they grapple with a significant budget shortfall. Advocates for Dawes argue that it plays a critical role in providing equitable education resources in the community. Final decisions on school closures are expected by the end of the year.
Evanston — A rally took place on Tuesday evening, uniting parents, grandparents, children, and community members in opposition to the potential closure of Dawes Elementary School. The event occurred as part of a growing concern surrounding budget issues faced by the District 65 Board of Education. This gathering preceded the first meeting where district administrators would discuss possible school closure scenarios with the community.
Participants at the rally voiced their passion for keeping Dawes Elementary open, chanting slogans such as “Hey hey, hey hey, Dawes School has got to stay” and “Title I, we are one, don’t close Dawes, we’re not done.” The board is currently considering two scenarios for school closures that would involve shutting down three different schools. The first scenario includes Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Washington, while the second focuses on Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Dawes.
As the idea of school closures circulates, many parents have expressed concerns that the discussions have not adequately represented all voices in the community. Some highlighted issues related to language accessibility in meetings, with complaints noting that discussions were primarily conducted in English. Parents have emphasized that offering translation services does not ensure full representation or meaningful participation for Spanish-speaking families.
Transparency in the decision-making process has been another key concern raised by community members. Parents have questioned why only seven scenarios have been presented to the public for consideration. They argue that more comprehensive options should be available for review. Some parents, including Tina Dehghan, voiced that the proposed closures could adversely impact vulnerable families rather than effectively address the district’s financial challenges.
District 65 is grappling with a budget shortfall estimated between $10 million and $15 million and has been operating at a deficit for several years. Declining enrollment numbers within the district have prompted the consideration of multiple school closures as a potential solution. The school board’s recent funding challenges have been compounded by the indictment of former superintendent Devon Horton on charges related to wire fraud and embezzlement. This situation has further strained trust between the community and the board of education.
The emotional tension at the three-hour meeting following the rally underscored the community’s unease regarding the potential school closures. Many community members stressed the importance of empathy, transparency, and inclusiveness in the deliberations about which schools might close. The attendance of Dawes Elementary parents at the event highlighted their solidarity and determination to preserve the school as a critical resource for the community.
The discussion also reflects broader issues related to equity in educational resources within the district, particularly affecting Title I schools like Dawes. Supporters of the school argue that it serves a significant role in providing equitable access to education for students in the area.
The District 65 Board of Education is expected to reach final decisions about school closures by the end of this year. Community advocates hope that their voices will be heard and that any decisions made will consider the needs and concerns of all families affected by the potential closures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Evanston-Skokie School Board Faces Community Opposition Over Closures
Parents Rally Against Proposed School Closures in Evanston
Parents Rally Against Proposed School Closures in District 65
Evanston/Skokie District 65 Considers School Closures
Additional Resources
- ABC 7 Chicago
- Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
- Evanston RoundTable
- Google Search: Dawes Elementary School closure
- WGN TV
- Google Scholar: Evanston School Closure
- Fox 32 Chicago
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Evanston
- Evanston Now
- Google News: Evanston School Budget Deficit
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
