Evanston, Illinois, August 15, 2025
News Summary
District 65 in Evanston is deliberating on school closures due to financial deficits and declining enrollment. With a projected budget shortfall, a vote is expected this fall that could lead to significant changes in the district’s schools. The Dr. Bessie Rhodes School will close permanently after the 2025-2026 school year. Community engagement is prioritized as public hearings will be held for input on these decisions before any closures take effect by July 2026.
Evanston, Illinois – District 65 Considers School Closures Amid Financial Deficits and Declining Enrollment
In response to ongoing financial challenges, District 65 is considering the closure of one or more schools as it grapples with years of declining enrollment and consecutive budget deficits. A vote by the school board is anticipated this fall that could lead to significant changes in the district’s educational landscape, including the potential closure of well-known institutions. This strategy aims to enhance the district’s financial position and consolidate underutilized classrooms.
The school board is scheduled to review an update on the structural deficit reduction plan on Monday. As part of this strategy, it has already been announced that the Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies will close its doors permanently after the 2025-2026 school year. The decision to close schools is considered a necessary step to stabilize the district’s financial situation, particularly in light of a budget deficit projected to require cuts of $10 million to $15 million.
Before any final decisions are made regarding school closures, state law requires that three public hearings be held to gather community input. These meetings are planned for September and November of this year. The district aims to ensure that its decisions are informed by community voices while adhering to legal obligations.
Evaluation Criteria for Closures
Several criteria will guide the evaluation of potential school closures. Key factors include:
- Equity: The aim is to avoid disproportionately affecting marginalized student groups such as Black students and English language learners.
- Geography: This criterion, weighted the highest, evaluates student walkability, with a maximum allowable distance of 0.75 miles to school.
- Building Functionality: Considerations will also include the condition of school infrastructures, many of which are aging, with the average age being 79 years old.
- Potential Revenue: This involves assessing the financial implications from potential building sales.
Current State of District 65 Schools
The Facilities Subcommittee has taken an active role in the evaluation process by visiting all District 65 schools to make informed decisions about potential closures. Many buildings within the district are in need of repairs and sustainability considerations are growing more pressing. The facilities must not only serve educational purposes but also meet accessibility standards for all students.
The district’s financial challenges are not new, with budget issues traced back as far as 2003, emphasizing the urgency for financial sustainability and effective resource management. Resolving the long-standing deficit is a priority as the district moves forward with its structural deficit reduction plan.
Future Implications
The objective is for any school closures to take effect by July 1, 2026, coinciding with the opening of a new facility known as the Foster School. This transition period is essential for ensuring that students and educators experience minimal disruption while allowing the district to stabilize its finances.
As the board prepares for the upcoming hearings and potential votes, many parents and community members anxiously await outcomes that will directly affect the education system in Evanston. The district’s commitment to transparency and community involvement remains central as discussions continue regarding the best path forward to address financial and enrollment challenges.
FAQ Section
What prompted the consideration of school closures in District 65?
District 65 is experiencing declining enrollment and consecutive budget deficits, prompting a need for financial restructuring.
When will the school board vote on potential closures?
A vote is expected to take place this fall.
What is the timeline for school closures?
The goal is to have any closures effective by July 1, 2026.
What criteria will be used to evaluate which schools to close?
Criteria include equity, geography, building functionality, and potential revenue from building sales.
How can the community provide input on school closures?
The district will hold three public hearings for community feedback prior to any final decisions.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Financial Deficits | Ongoing budget deficits necessitating significant cuts and restructuring. |
| Declining Enrollment | Years of falling student numbers contributing to financial strains. |
| Criteria for Closures | Factors include equity, geography, building condition, and revenue potential. |
| Community Engagement | Public hearings scheduled for community input before any vote. |
| Future Timeline | Targeting closures effective by July 1, 2026. |
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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
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