Evanston-Skokie District 65 Faces Community Backlash Over Potential School Closures

Evanston – The Evanston-Skokie District 65 School Board faced significant community backlash at a meeting held on Tuesday regarding potential school closures due to ongoing financial troubles and a decline in student enrollment. The meeting, held at Dawes Elementary, drew a passionate crowd of parents and community members who voiced their concerns and disapproval of the proposed plans.

Parents expressed anger over the school board’s perceived misjudgments and the impact those decisions have on families and students. Many pointed out that closures could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, especially those in specialized programs like RISE and STEP.

New School Board President Pat Anderson recognized the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the tough decisions ahead. She shared a personal connection to the district, underscoring her commitment to working with the community to navigate the financial crisis.

District officials indicated they need to cut between $10 million and $15 million from the budget to achieve fiscal balance by the 2027 fiscal year. The district has been grappling with years of financial deficits and requires substantial funding for building repairs, with estimates suggesting hundreds of millions of dollars are needed.

Among the schools under consideration for closure are King Arts, Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, Washington, and Dawes, primarily due to their low enrollment figures. Former Superintendent Devon Horton, who was recently indicted for allegedly embezzling funds in a kickback scheme, has added to the district’s financial woes and contributed to growing concerns within the community.

The school board plans to decide on the fate of the school closures by the end of this year. Board member Nichole Pickard expressed that finding a resolution that satisfies all parties is unlikely but remains imperative for the district’s future. In light of these challenges, a committee has been formed to assess financial gaps and the consequences of potential closures.

The community’s unrest was reflected in the resignation of Board President Sergio Hernandez during Tuesday’s meeting, amid community pressure and the fallout from Horton’s recent indictment. Several parents gathered to share their thoughts during the over three-hour long meeting, emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility and the long-term impacts of any school closures.

In recent years, the district has already closed Bessie Rhodes Elementary and reduced staff, prompting community fears over further closures. Enrollment numbers have plunged from 7,496 to 6,019 over the last six years, a decline of about 20%, while the number of administrative positions has notably increased. Some parents are particularly concerned with how these closures would affect existing specialized educational programs.

A petition demanding Hernandez’s resignation received 329 signatures prior to the meeting, indicating significant community dissatisfaction with the board’s handling of the district’s financial crisis. In the meantime, parents are encouraged to partake in feedback sessions scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday to express their thoughts regarding the proposed school closures.

As the district’s leadership prepares to confront these serious financial issues, Anderson has committed to collaborating with the board and the community to ensure a forward-looking approach toward the district’s challenges.

FAQs

Key Features of the District 65 School Board Meeting