Champaign Unit 4 School District Faces Financial Challenges

News Summary

Champaign’s District 65 is contemplating the closure of schools due to ongoing financial issues and a steady decline in student enrollment. As part of their structural deficit reduction plan, the school board is expected to vote on potential closures soon. The district aims to cut its budget by $10 million to $15 million, with community input being sought through public hearings before final decisions are made.

Champaign, IL — District 65 faces difficult financial decisions amid declining enrollment and budget deficits

The Champaign Unit 4 School District 65 is considering closing one or more schools as part of a strategy to address ongoing financial challenges and decreasing student numbers. The school board is scheduled to review an update to its structural deficit reduction plan this coming Monday, with a potential vote on school closures expected later this fall.

Financial challenges and enrollment decline

District 65 has been grappling with multiyear budget deficits accompanied by a steady decline in student enrollment. These financial hurdles have persisted for years, dating back to at least 2003, prompting district leadership to explore measures aimed at stabilizing the district’s finances. The current efforts seek to cut approximately $10 million to $15 million from the district’s annual budget, following previous phases of fiscal restraint.

Closure of Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies

The district announced that the Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies will close after the 2025-2026 school year. This decision is part of a broader initiative to consolidate resources, reduce surplus capacity, and improve the district’s financial standing. The closure is intended to be effective by the start of the 2026-2027 school year, aligning with the opening of a new Foster School.

Community engagement and legal requirements

State law mandates three public hearings to gather community input before any final decision on school closures. These hearings will take place in the upcoming months, specifically scheduled for September and November, providing opportunities for residents, parents, and other stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns.

The district emphasizes transparency throughout the process, which is guided by multiple criteria, including equity, geography, building functionality, and potential revenue from property sales.

Evaluation criteria for school closures

• Geography is the most heavily weighted factor, focusing on student walkability. Schools are evaluated based on the maximum expected walking distance, which is set at 0.75 miles.
• Equity considerations aim to prevent adverse impacts on marginalized groups, including Black students and English language learners.
• Building conditions are also scrutinized, with the average age of district schools being 79 years. Many schools require significant repairs, often encountering accessibility and safety issues that add to operational costs.

Facility assessments and planning

To facilitate informed decision-making, the district’s Facilities Subcommittee has conducted inspections of all District 65 school buildings. This thorough review helps determine which schools are most suitable for closure based on condition, utilization, and potential for repurposing or sale.

Additional considerations and timeline

Community engagement remains a priority, with district officials scheduling public meetings to gather input and feedback. The goal is to implement any school closures by July 1, 2026, in time for the opening of the new Foster School.

The district’s leadership stresses that these measures are vital to ensuring financial sustainability and to maintaining a stable, responsive education system for the future.

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Additional Resources

• Evanston Roundtable: Potential School Closures in District 65
• Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
• Chicago Tribune: Closure of Four Schools in District 65
• Google Search: District 65 Evanston School Closures
• Evanston Now: D65 Seeking Public Input on School Closings
• Encyclopedia Britannica: District 65 Evanston
• Daily Northwestern: D65 School Consolidation Criteria
• Google News: District 65 Evanston