News Summary
Over 75 parents gathered at the Fat Shallot restaurant in Lincolnwood to express their opposition to the proposed school closures by District 65. The district has outlined potential scenarios that could result in the closure of several schools, including Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary. Parents voiced concerns about the rushed decision-making process and the impact on local communities, particularly regarding the two-way immersion program. The school board is expected to respond to feedback from public sessions scheduled before making closure decisions later this fall.
Lincolnwood, IL – Over 75 parents gathered at the Fat Shallot restaurant to voice their concerns and organize against the proposed school closures by District 65. The district has outlined seven potential scenarios for school closures that could affect Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary schools, both of which are at significant risk of being closed.
Every scenario presented by the district includes the closure of either Lincolnwood, Kingsley, or both schools. The discussion surrounding the closures has also included other schools such as Willard, Washington, Dawes Elementary, and King Arts magnet school. In addition, all options under consideration suggest eliminating the two-way immersion Spanish-English program at Willard school.
Parents have raised several concerns regarding the district’s proposed fall timeline for making closure decisions. They have expressed apprehension about the rushed nature of the process, the lack of transparency from the school board, and the effectiveness of closures in addressing the district’s financial challenges. The district is currently grappling with a projected deficit that has recently been revised down to $372,509, significantly lower than the prior estimate of $5.69 million.
Many parents argue that the district is not facing a legitimate crisis that would necessitate immediate school closures. They question whether there will be sufficient space in the remaining schools to accommodate students displaced by potential closures, particularly in north Evanston. Observations were made about the disproportionate impact these closures would have on students living in that area.
Lincolnwood parent and event organizer Katie Armistead noted that access to neighborhood schools is critical for all children in Evanston. Concerns about how school closures could affect Hispanic and Latino communities were particularly highlighted, especially in relation to the anticipated cuts to the two-way immersion program.
In response to the proposed school closures, parents are seeking increased communication with the school board and are advocating for the establishment of a task force to further their efforts in opposing the closures. Sixth Ward Councilmember Tom Suffredin indicated that the city should engage in discussions related to the closures as well.
Frustration among some parents has been evident due to a perceived lack of concern from the school board regarding the needs of north Evanston schools. Parents have emphasized the necessity for families to express their concerns promptly instead of delaying their feedback.
District 65 is currently facing declining enrollment figures, with student capacity falling below 60% districtwide. Additionally, the district is in urgent need of approximately $188 million in repairs for its aging buildings. The school closure analysis indicates that closing King Arts could yield savings of about $2.7 million, while closing Kingsley and Lincolnwood could each save around $2 million.
Parents voiced criticisms regarding the lack of collaboration and transparency within the strategic deficit reduction planning processes of the district. There are concerns that an expedited decision-making process regarding school closures could actually exacerbate the district’s financial outlook, especially in light of ongoing declines in enrollment.
The school board does not plan to vote on closure decisions until at least late October or early November. To facilitate community engagement, public feedback sessions have been scheduled to offer parents and community members an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed school closures.
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Additional Resources
- Evanston Roundtable: District 65 School Closure Recommendations
- Chicago Tribune: Evanston-Skokie District 65 Leans Toward Closing Schools
- Evanston Now: D65 Incomplete School Closing Info Leaked
- Evanston Now: D65 Sets Decision Day for School Closings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
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