News Summary
The Evanston-Skokie District 65 School Board is facing strong opposition from community members regarding proposed school closures due to financial challenges and declining enrollment. Parents protested at a recent meeting, expressing concern over the impact on families and students. The district plans to cut $10 million to $15 million from its budget, leading to potential closures of several schools. Community feedback is being sought as the board navigates these difficult decisions.
Evanston
The Evanston-Skokie District 65 School Board is facing significant community backlash over proposed school closures due to a financial crisis and ongoing enrollment declines. The emotionally charged meeting held at Dawes Elementary on Tuesday drew numerous parents and community members who protested against the board’s plans, citing concerns for families and students.
Parents expressed their frustrations regarding the school board’s decision-making and its impact on local students. New School Board President Pat Anderson, who has personal ties to the district through her children and granddaughter, acknowledged that harsh decisions must be made while attempting to address community concerns.
District leaders disclosed that the school board needs to cut between $10 million and $15 million from its budget to balance finances by the 2027 fiscal year. The financial challenges stem from several years of deficits and a noted need for hundreds of millions of dollars in building repairs across the district.
Proposed School Closures
The potential closures include several schools—King Arts, Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, Washington, and Dawes—primarily driven by low student enrollment figures. District enrollment has dropped significantly over the past six years, falling from 7,496 students to 6,019, representing a nearly 20% decrease, while the number of administrators has increased.
The school board is expected to make its final decision regarding the closure of schools by the end of the year. Meanwhile, challenges intensified following the indictment of former Superintendent Devon Horton for allegedly embezzling funds in a kickback scheme, further worsening the district’s fiscal problems.
Board Member Nichole Pickard reiterated that no solution would universally satisfy everyone, highlighting the need for decisive action to secure the district’s future. A committee has been established to provide insight into addressing the district’s financial shortfalls and the potential impact of proposed school closures.
Community Concerns and Feedback Sessions
Parents raised concerns about how school closures might affect specialized programs for vulnerable student populations, including those involved in RISE and STEP programs. The district had already faced community distress after previously closing Bessie Rhodes Elementary and reducing staff, prompting worries about the ramifications of any additional closures.
The public meeting lasted over three hours, during which many parents articulated their views on the district’s financial responsibility and future direction. A petition demanding the resignation of Board President Sergio Hernandez gathered 329 signatures prior to the meeting, leading to his resignation amidst community pressure and the ongoing fallout from Horton’s indictment.
In an effort to address community concerns, parents are encouraged to participate in feedback sessions scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the proposed school closures and share their perspectives.
Looking ahead, Anderson expressed her commitment to working collaboratively with both the board and the community to tackle the challenges faced by District 65. As the school board navigates these tumultuous waters, the response from parents and the community will shape the decisions made regarding the future of their schools.
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Additional Resources
- ABC 7 Chicago
- Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
- NBC Chicago
- Google Search: Evanston Skokie District 65
- Evanston RoundTable
- Google Scholar: Evanston school closures
- Daily Northwestern
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Evanston school district
- Evanston Now
- Google News: Evanston school closure news
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