News Summary
The Evanston/Skokie District 65 Board of Education is evaluating the closure of three elementary schools as part of a strategy to mitigate financial difficulties. This comes in light of a 20% drop in student enrollment since 2018, and the potential closures could save the district approximately $9.18 million annually. Community feedback is being sought before a potential vote in November, prompting concerns among parents and stakeholders regarding the impact on students and educational staff.
Evanston, Illinois — The Evanston/Skokie District 65 Board of Education is considering the closure of three elementary schools—Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, and either Dawes or Washington Elementary—as part of a plan to address an ongoing financial crisis within the district. The board discussed several potential scenarios for school closures during a recent meeting, although no final decision was reached. The board indicated a vote could occur as early as November.
The proposed closures could collectively save the district approximately $9.18 million annually, a substantial amount that could alleviate some of the district’s financial burdens. District 65 has witnessed a significant decline in student enrollment, with a 20% decrease reported since 2018. This reduction has compounded existing budget shortfalls and operational inefficiencies, making the consideration of school closures more urgent.
Currently, the district’s school buildings are operating at an average of only 58% capacity, highlighting the underutilization of resources. Furthermore, the district’s facilities require approximately $188 million in repairs. The financial consultant for the board noted that prior budget deficits led to a critically low reserve balance, which is not in alignment with state financial recommendations.
The board’s deliberations included seven different scenarios for possible school closures, potentially affecting multiple institutions, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literary and Fine Arts School. Community feedback is crucial to the decision-making process, and additional public meetings have been scheduled to gather input on the proposed closures. Sessions for community feedback are planned at Chute Middle School on October 14, and at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center and Nichols Middle School on October 15.
There are growing concerns among parents and community members regarding the rapid pace of decision-making, particularly concerning the implications school closures may have on students and educators. Stakeholders emphasized the need for increased transparency and community engagement in discussions about the future of schools within the district. The timeline indicates that after public feedback, the board could take a decisive vote on closures by November.
If the board opts to proceed with the recommended closure scenarios, they are expected to begin reorganizing school attendance boundaries in light of the changes. Kingsley and Lincolnwood Elementary were frequently suggested for closure by district staff, with Lincolnwood anticipated to have the smallest enrollment under the new boundaries planned for implementation in August 2026.
The potential closures raise significant implications regarding reduced operational costs. However, they may also lead to job losses for educators and staff, which remains a primary concern for all stakeholders involved. As discussions continue, the board aims to evaluate the possible impacts on student needs, staffing, and the community at large while considering school consolidations or closures.
In conclusion, while the Board of Education deliberates on the future of these elementary schools, it is clear that fiscal responsibility is at the forefront of their decision-making process. Community input will play a vital role in shaping the outcomes, providing a platform for stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns regarding this critical issue.
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Additional Resources
- Evanston RoundTable: Simone Larson Column on School Closures
- Evanston RoundTable: District 65 School Closure Recommendations
- Chicago Tribune: Evanston/Skokie D65 Leans Toward Closing Schools
- ABC7 Chicago: Evanston/Skokie District 65 Students Return to New Cell Phone Policy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closures
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