Evanston, Illinois, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The Evanston/Skokie District 65 Board of Education is deliberating the closure of three elementary schools due to a financial crisis attributed to a significant decline in student enrollment. With the aim of addressing a structural deficit, the board is evaluating potential annual savings of approximately $9.18 million. Community feedback sessions are scheduled to discuss the implications of these closures, with a decision anticipated in November. The district is under pressure to reassess resource allocations amid operational inefficiencies and a need for facility repairs.
Evanston, Illinois – The Evanston/Skokie District 65 Board of Education is considering a plan to close three elementary schools—Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, and either Dawes or Washington—as a response to an ongoing financial crisis within the district. The board discussed multiple scenarios during a recent meeting, identifying the potential closures as a means to address a structural deficit that has emerged over the past few years.
The district’s deliberations come amid a significant decline in student enrollment, which has fallen by 20% since 2018, leading to budget shortfalls and operational inefficiencies. The schools under consideration for closure, which also included discussions about the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literary and Fine Arts School, collectively have the potential to yield approximately $9.18 million in annual savings.
No final decision was made during the board meeting; however, officials indicated that a decision could come as soon as November. Upcoming meetings are scheduled to gather feedback from the community at several locations, including Chute Middle School on October 14 and Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center and Nichols Middle School on October 15.
The district is currently operating its buildings at only 58% capacity on average, highlighting the need for reassessing resource allocation amid existing budget constraints. Additionally, the condition of school facilities requires approximately $188 million in repairs, further straining the district’s finances.
Throughout the discussions, community engagement emerged as a major concern for board members and stakeholders. Many parents expressed apprehension regarding the speed of decision-making and its potential consequences for students and educators. The board has emphasized the need for transparency in their processes and has committed to considering community input when deliberating closures and consolidations.
If the board moves forward with the recommended closure scenarios, there will be a need to reorganize school attendance boundaries to accommodate the changes. The anticipated timeline indicates a vote on the closures could take place by November, following opportunities for public comment.
In analyzing the closures, the impact on staffing, educational outcomes, and community dynamics will also be evaluated, as school board members recognize the intertwined nature of these factors. Kingsley and Lincolnwood were frequently mentioned in recommendations from district staff, with Lincolnwood projected to have the smallest enrollment under the new attendance boundaries planned for implementation in August 2026.
The district acknowledges that the implications of possible school closures are complex and extend beyond operational costs, as potential job losses for educators and staff weigh heavily on the minds of stakeholders.
Background on Financial Struggles
The financial position of District 65 has worsened due to declining enrollments and rising operational costs. Previous budget shortfalls have led to a dangerously low reserve balance, necessitating urgent actions to stabilize the situation. The district’s financial consultant has alerted officials that these challenges must be addressed to align with state funding targets and ensure educational viability.
Meeting Schedule for Community Feedback
The board has organized a series of public meetings to give community members a platform to voice concerns regarding the proposed closures. These sessions will facilitate dialogue about the impact of school consolidations on the broader community and will help shape further discussions moving forward.
Conclusion
As the Evanston/Skokie District 65 Board of Education navigates this difficult decision-making landscape, the outcome of the proposed school closures remains uncertain. Community feedback will play a critical role in guiding the board’s next steps amidst ongoing discussions and evaluations.
FAQ
Why is District 65 considering closing schools?
District 65 is considering school closures due to a structural deficit resulting from a 20% decline in student enrollment since 2018, leading to significant budget shortfalls and operational inefficiencies.
What schools are being considered for closure?
The schools being considered for closure include Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, and either Dawes or Washington.
When will a decision on the school closures be made?
A decision on the proposed school closures could be made as early as November, following community feedback sessions scheduled for mid-October.
What are the anticipated savings from closing these schools?
The proposed school closures could save the district approximately $9.18 million annually.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Closures | Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, Dawes or Washington |
| Expected Savings | $9.18 million annually |
| Current Enrollment Decline | 20% since 2018 |
| Building Capacity Usage | 58% |
| Repair Needs | $188 million |
| Community Feedback Meetings | Chute (Oct. 14), Fleetwood-Jourdain (Oct. 15), Nichols (Oct. 15) |
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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
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