News Summary
The Evanston/Skokie District 65 Board of Education is deliberating the potential closure of three elementary schools to address a significant budget deficit. A recent board meeting discussed various scenarios, including the possibility of saving $9.18 million annually by closing Kingsley, Lincolnwood, and either Dawes or Washington. Facing a 20% decline in student enrollment since 2018 and operating at only 58% capacity, community input is deemed essential as the board prepares for a vote expected in November.
Evanston, Illinois — The Evanston/Skokie District 65 Board of Education is actively considering the closure of three elementary schools—Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, and either Dawes or Washington—as part of a strategy to alleviate a significant structural deficit. During a recent board meeting, several scenarios were laid out, with the potential for up to four schools to close, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literary and Fine Arts School. However, no final decision was reached, with an impending vote expected as early as November.
Closing the schools under discussion could result in savings of approximately $9.18 million annually for the district. This need for financial prudence comes as District 65 has experienced a 20% decline in student enrollment since 2018, contributing to ongoing budget shortfalls and operational inefficiencies. Currently, the district’s facilities are operating at an average capacity of just 58%, and the buildings require an estimated $188 million in repairs.
Community input remains vital in this decision-making process, with several meetings scheduled for public feedback on the proposed school closures. These sessions are set to take place at Chute Middle School on October 14, Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center on October 15, and Nichols Middle School on October 15. Stakeholders are urged to participate in the discussions to voice their opinions and concerns.
The Board’s financial consultant has highlighted that previous budget deficits have led to a dangerously low reserve balance that falls short of state recommendations. The financial health of District 65 is a pressing issue, prompting the board to explore difficult options, including the closure of several schools. Parents and community members have expressed apprehensions over the rapid pace of decision-making, questioning how these closures might adversely affect students, educators, and the broader community.
The anticipated timeline suggests that a vote on potential school closures will occur in November, following community engagement sessions. If the board opts to proceed with the recommended plan, they will need to reassess school attendance boundaries in accordance with the closures.
District officials have pointed out that Kingsley and Lincolnwood elementary schools are frequently cited in the closure recommendations. Lincolnwood, in particular, is projected to have the smallest enrollment under the new attendance boundaries slated for implementation in August 2026. The implications of these potential closures extend beyond just financial savings; they raise concerns regarding reduced operational costs and potential job losses for educators and staff.
As discussions progress, the Board has emphasized a need for enhanced transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process. Evaluations of the potential impacts on staffing, student needs, and community welfare will continue as the district navigates the challenging landscape of financial constraints and operational effectiveness.
In summary, the Evanston/Skokie District 65 Board of Education is engaged in critical deliberations regarding the future of three elementary schools amidst a looming financial crisis. With a projected vote set for November and community feedback actively sought, the Board is grappling with the complexities of maintaining educational standards while addressing fiscal realities.
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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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