News Summary
Over 100 parents and caregivers gathered at Washington Elementary School to voice concerns regarding the proposed closure process for District 65. The community is anxious about the potential impacts of school closures, particularly on equity for low-income students. A group named ‘Save Washington’ advocates for more careful consideration of the district’s decisions. With a looming school board vote, parents emphasize the need for transparency and community involvement in the discussions to ensure the educational needs of all children are met.
Evanston, IL – Over 100 parents and caregivers gathered at Washington Elementary School on October 5 to express their concerns regarding the proposed school closure process for Evanston/Skokie District 65. The meeting highlighted the growing tension in the community as a group named “Save Washington” formed, comprising at least 28 caregivers advocating for a careful consideration of the district’s decision-making process regarding potential school closures.
The school board is expected to vote on various closure scenarios on November 17, which will begin the public hearing process for each school suggested for closure. Organizers noted that there is a short seven-week timeframe between when closure scenarios were first presented during a board meeting on September 29 and the scheduled vote, raising worries about adequate time for community input and evaluation.
Many parents fear that closing Washington Elementary could contradict the district’s commitment to equity, particularly because it is one of seven Title I schools serving a high percentage of low-income students. Washington Elementary houses two significant programs: the Two-Way Immersion (TWI) program for English and Spanish learning, and the Structured Teaching Education Program (STEP) for autism support. Concerns were raised that any potential closures might negatively impact the educational resources available to these vulnerable student populations.
Parents also highlighted their positive experiences with the TWI and STEP programs, arguing against making budget-related decisions that could harm student learning outcomes. There was a palpable sense of urgency among attendees who supported an initiative called “Invest in Neighborhood Schools,” encouraging families from Washington, Dawes, and Oakton Elementary schools to unite in discussing the implications of the proposed closures.
Attendees voiced their worries about inadequate representation of marginalized voices in the discussions, especially considering ongoing immigration issues that are impacting community sentiment. Additionally, the recent indictment of a former District 65 superintendent for embezzlement and fraud added to the atmosphere of distrust among parents regarding financial management within the district.
City council members weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the city and the school district to address discrepancies between population projections and financial plans. Councilmember Parielle Davis, along with other colleagues, sent a letter to city and school district leaders, stressing the need for joint discussions over current and future demographic trends and school facilities utilization.
Current estimates indicate a decline in student enrollment for District 65, with projections predicting a budget deficit of $10 to $15 million by 2027. This financial pressure has prompted the district to consider school closures, even as city growth plans suggest an increase in population, intensifying the debate over appropriate planning measures.
Some members of the school board expressed a need for more comprehensive analyses of the proposed closure scenarios and called for increased transparency throughout the decision-making process. They acknowledged that the community’s concerns merit a more deliberate approach rather than rushing decisions that could have lasting repercussions for families and students.
A special school board meeting is scheduled for October 8 at the Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Education Center, which will allow for further public commentary on the school closure proposals. Parents and residents are continuing to demand a thoughtful and measured approach to any future school closures, urging board members to consider not only immediate financial implications but also the long-term impact on the community’s educational landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Evanston RoundTable: District 65 Calls Special Meeting for Oct 8 to Discuss School Closures
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Evanston Now: Horton Indictment Hangs Over School Closing Process
- Google Search: Evanston school closures
- Evanston RoundTable: Save Washington School Closure
- Google Scholar: School Closure Impact
- Evanston Now: Board Leaning Towards at Least Two School Closings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure
- Evanston RoundTable: District 65 School Closure Recommendations
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