News Summary
Evanston/Skokie School District 65 is facing the potential closure of up to four elementary schools due to financial difficulties and declining enrollment. A significant budget shortfall, coupled with an estimated $188 million needed for repairs, has prompted discussions around a Structural Deficit Reduction Plan. Community input will play a crucial role in the decision-making process, with public sessions and surveys scheduled in October. The district emphasizes the importance of community engagement as it navigates these challenges and seeks effective solutions for the future of its schools.
Evanston and Skokie School District 65 Faces Potential Closure of Up to Four Schools Amid Financial Challenges
Evanston/Skokie — The School District 65 is considering closing as many as four elementary schools by the 2026-2027 academic year, as part of a broader Structural Deficit Reduction Plan (SDRP) aimed at addressing ongoing financial difficulties and declining student enrollment.
Financial and Enrollment Challenges Drive Closure Discussions
The district faces a significant budget shortfall requiring cuts between $10 million and $15 million by the start of the 2027 fiscal year. The need for substantial financial savings stems from a persistent decline in student enrollment, which has decreased by approximately 20% since 2018. Currently, district buildings operate at an average capacity of only 65%, with elementary schools functioning at well below 60% capacity.
Adding to the financial strain, the district’s physical infrastructure is in urgent need of repairs and upgrades, with an estimated $188 million required for deferred maintenance and building renovations across all facilities.
Planning Process and Community Engagement
The school board has outlined a detailed planning process, including the formation of three budget reduction committees. These committees—focused on finance, facilities, and programs—are composed of parents, caregivers, community members, and district staff. Their goal is to assist in evaluating potential school closures and other cost-saving measures.
Several scenarios for possible closures are scheduled to be presented to the board on September 29. However, no final decisions are expected on that date, as the board will still need to conduct multiple hearings. The earliest decisions on closure implementation are anticipated for late October, allowing for further community input.
Public Feedback and Evaluation Criteria
To gather input from residents, the district has scheduled four public input sessions and an online survey in mid-October. The community’s feedback will be integral to the decision-making process.
During the evaluation, the district will consider five broad categories for each school: geography, equity, building cost, building functionality, and building income. The geography category—weighted most heavily—will assess factors such as walkability, safe routes to school, transportation needs, and proximity to other schools.
In terms of equity, the impact on student populations and demographic groups will be a key focus, ensuring that closures do not disproportionately affect specific communities. The district’s facilities are, on average, about 80 years old, adding to the complexity of renovation needs.
Operational costs and structural integrity will be analyzed under the building cost category, while building functionality will evaluate accessibility and the potential for income from school properties, such as leasing opportunities.
Impact on District Schools and Community Response
As a result of budget constraints, Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies will close at the end of the current school year. The announcement has prompted emotional responses from students and parents, who expressed concern about losing a valued community school during the first days of the new academic year.
Policy Changes and Ongoing Financial Outlook
In addition to discussing school closures, the district has implemented a new cellphone policy aimed at reducing distractions. Under the new guidelines, students are required to store phones during school hours unless they have documented medical needs.
Despite these measures, the district continues to face financial difficulties. While recent estimates show a decrease in the current fiscal year’s deficit, the ongoing decline in enrollment and the need for extensive repairs remain significant challenges.
Next Steps and Decision Timeline
The upcoming board meeting on September 29 will focus on exploring various scenarios involving the possible closure of two to four schools. Final decisions on school closures will not be made until after multiple community hearings, which could extend into November.
The district reiterates that community engagement is a vital part of the process and encourages residents to participate in upcoming feedback opportunities to influence the final outcomes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Evanston School District Addresses Leaked Closure Plans
Economic Costs of School Closures During COVID-19
Hudson School District Considers Closure of Two Elementary Schools
Decline in High School Student Performance Continues
School Board Considers Closures Amid Financial Difficulties
Champaign Unit 4 School District Faces Financial Challenges
School District 65 Considers Closures Amid Financial Struggles
Additional Resources
- Evanston RoundTable: District 65 School Closure Evaluations
- Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
- ABC7 Chicago: District 65 Students Head Back Monday
- Google Search: D65 School Closures
- Evanston RoundTable: District 65 on Leaked School Closure Data
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Evanston Skokie School District 65
- Evanston Now: D65 Sets Decision Day for School Closings
- Google News: Evanston School Closures
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