School District 65 Considers Closures Amid Financial Struggles

News Summary

Evanston/Skokie School District 65 is evaluating the potential closure of multiple schools as it confronts significant financial challenges. With ongoing declines in student enrollment and projected budget deficits, the district aims to improve fiscal stability and efficiently allocate resources. While no specific schools are slated for closure yet, community engagement is underway, with public hearings scheduled to gather feedback before final decisions are made later this year.

Evanston/Skokie, Illinois — School District 65 Considers School Closures Amid Financial Challenges

The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Board of Education is contemplating the closure of multiple schools following the upcoming academic year as part of an effort to address significant financial difficulties. The district is considering these closures to take effect next summer, aligning with the opening of the new Foster School.

Financial Crisis and Enrollment Decline

The district is experiencing a persistent decline in student enrollment and has faced three consecutive years of budget deficits. Economists project a fourth deficit for fiscal year 2026 unless significant fiscal strategies are implemented. The district’s financial struggles have been ongoing since at least 2003, indicating a longstanding pattern of budgetary challenges.

Rationale for School Closures

School closures are being evaluated as a means to improve overall financial stability and optimize resource utilization. Underutilized classrooms and excess capacity in some schools contribute to inefficiencies, prompting the district to consider consolidating students into fewer facilities. These measures aim to reduce operational costs and ensure more equitable distribution of resources across schools.

Current Status and Community Involvement

As of August 11, no specific schools have been officially slated for closure, aside from a previously approved plan to shut down Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies after the 2025-2026 school year. The district is in the early stages of community engagement and planning.

Illinois law requires that the school board hold three public hearings before making any final decision on school closures. These hearings are intended to gather community feedback and ensure transparency. The first informational meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center, where board members will review potential closure scenarios created by committees composed of community volunteers and staff.

Decision-Making Process and Timeline

During the initial meeting, the school board may vote on closure scenarios; however, such decisions are not mandatory at this stage. The district has set a deadline in November to finalize plans, allowing sufficient time for community input through public hearings before any final vote, which is planned to occur prior to winter break.

The Chief Financial Officer of District 65, Tamara Mitchell, has indicated that if issues are not addressed earlier, school closure decisions will be placed on upcoming agendas for board review.

Criteria and Committees Involved

Decisions regarding which schools might close will be based on several factors, including geographic location, impact on equity for marginalized student groups, building condition and functionality, and financial implications. To aid this process, committees composed of staff and community volunteers—namely the Facilities, Finance, and Student Programs Committees—met bi-monthly from April through June 2024 to develop closure criteria.

Financial Goals and Broader Context

The district aims to reduce its budget by approximately $10 million to $15 million. Already, roughly $20 million has been cut in previous budget phases, highlighting ongoing efforts to manage fiscal shortfalls. These austerity measures are part of a broader plan to stabilize the district’s financial health.

Future Outlook and Community Input

Future meetings will continue to involve community members and stakeholders in discussions about potential school closures. The district emphasizes that community feedback remains a vital part of the decision-making process, with opportunities provided before any final decisions are made.

In summary, School District 65 is actively exploring options to manage its financial crisis through potential school closures, aiming to balance fiscal responsibility with community needs and equity considerations. The process will unfold over the coming months, with public participation and transparency key components of the district’s approach.

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Additional Resources

• Evanston Roundtable: Potential School Closures District 65
• Wikipedia: School Closure
• Chicago Tribune: D65 May Close Four Schools
• Google Search: Evanston School Closures
• Evanston Roundtable: Evanston School Closures – Equity & Geography
• Google Scholar: School Closure Impact
• ABC7 Chicago: School Closings List
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure
• Evanston Now: D65 Seeking Public Input
• Google News: Evanston D65 School Closures