News Summary
The District 65 Board of Education in Evanston is considering closing three elementary schools as a response to significant financial challenges. The proposed closures could save the district approximately $9.18 million annually, addressing budget shortfalls due to declining enrollment and aging infrastructure. Community engagement is underway with meetings scheduled to gather public input before a vote is anticipated in November. Parents and community members have expressed concerns about the impact of these potential changes on students and local neighborhoods.
Evaston: District 65 Considers Closing Three Schools Amid Fiscal Challenges
The District 65 Board of Education in Evanston is contemplating the potential closure of three elementary schools—Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, and either Dawes or Washington—as a strategy to address a significant financial deficit.
Key Details of the Proposed School Closures
The district’s leadership has been evaluating seven different scenarios for school closures during a recent board meeting. Among these options, the possibility of closing up to four schools was discussed, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literary and Fine Arts School. As of now, no definitive decision has been made, but officials suggest that a vote could occur as early as November.
Financial Impact and Cost Savings
The schools under consideration, if closed, could save the district approximately $9.18 million annually. This figure aligns with the district’s urgent need to address ongoing budget shortfalls caused by declining enrollment and aging infrastructure.
Declining Enrollment and Infrastructure Needs
Since 2018, student enrollment has decreased by 20%, creating operational inefficiencies and funding challenges. Currently, the district’s school buildings operate at only 58% capacity on average. Additionally, the district faces an estimated $188 million required for building repairs and upgrades.
Community Engagement and Public Feedback
To involve residents and stakeholders in the decision-making process, the district has scheduled several community meetings. These include sessions at Chute Middle School on October 14, Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center on October 15, and Nichols Middle School on October 15. The district emphasizes the importance of public input before finalizing any closures.
Financial Oversight and District Reserve Status
The district’s financial consultant has highlighted that prior budget shortfalls have led to a critically low reserve balance, which does not meet state-mandated targets. This financial strain has prompted the Board to consider restructuring school operations as a necessary measure.
Concerns and Considerations from the Community
Parents and community members have voiced concerns regarding the speed of the decision process and the possible impacts on students, staff, and local neighborhoods. The district has acknowledged these concerns and plans to maintain transparency as it evaluates options.
Planning and Timeline Moving Forward
If the Board proceeds with the proposed plans, attendance boundaries will be reorganized to accommodate the school closures. The district anticipates making a final decision following the community input sessions, with a vote expected in November.
Implications for Staffing and Community Impact
The potential closures will also involve reorganization of staff and assessments of how student needs can best be met in remaining schools. Stakeholders have expressed concern over job losses and community dislocation, which the district will need to address carefully.
Specific Schools Under Review
District staff frequently cited Kingsley and Lincolnwood as candidates for closure. Additionally, Lincolnwood Elementary is projected to have the smallest enrollment under the new attendance zones expected to take effect in August 2026.
Summary
The Evanston/Skokie District 65 Board of Education is actively considering school closures as a means to resolve a structural financial crisis. While no final decision has been made, the move aims to reduce costs, consolidate resources, and improve district efficiency in light of declining enrollment and aging infrastructure. As community meetings proceed, the district continues balancing fiscal necessity with the need to serve students and preserve community stability.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Minnesota Construction Work Paused to Honor Fallen Workers
Peabody Magnet High School Cancels Homecoming Events Due to Security Threats
Watford City Closes Wolves Den Parkway for Repairs
Norfolk School Board Delays Vote on School Closures
New Jersey Construction Industry Forecasts Positive Growth
Kyrene School District Faces Community Opposition Over School Closures
Denver Faces Major Construction Challenges Due to Rising Tariffs
St. Louis Faces Major School Closures Amid Enrollment Decline
Fort Pierce Under Tropical Storm Watch as Depression Nine Approaches
Alexandria Cancels Peabody Magnet High School Homecoming Events
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
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
