Evanston, October 15, 2025
News Summary
In Evanston, parents, grandparents, and community members gathered to oppose the potential closure of Dawes Elementary School due to budgetary issues facing District 65. With a projected shortfall of $10 to $15 million, the school board is considering significant cuts, including multiple school closures. The rally highlighted community concerns over representation and transparency in the decision-making process. As the board weighs options, many residents emphasize the need for empathy and inclusion in discussions about the future of education in their area.
Evanston Parents and Community Rally to Oppose Closure of Dawes Elementary Amid District 65 Budget Crisis
A rally was held on Tuesday evening in Evanston, where parents, grandparents, children, and community members came together to oppose the potential closure of Dawes Elementary School. The event was a response to the considerations being made by the District 65 Board of Education as part of a larger plan to address budgetary concerns, with a projected shortfall of $10 to $15 million.
The rally took place prior to the first community meeting aimed at discussing school closure scenarios. Attendees expressed their opposition through chants like “Hey hey, hey hey, Dawes School has got to stay” and “Title I, we are one, don’t close Dawes, we’re not done.” The outpouring of support highlighted the community’s commitment to preserving this educational institution, which many see as a vital resource.
The school board is weighing two specific scenarios for closures that may involve shutting down three schools: one plan includes closing Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Washington Elementary Schools, while the other suggests closing Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Dawes. These deliberations come in light of declining enrollment numbers across the district, prompting the board to explore drastic measures such as school closures.
Community Concerns About Representation and Process
During the rally and subsequent meeting, parents voiced concerns regarding the lack of representation in the discussions surrounding school closures. They criticized the format of previous meetings, where discussions were primarily conducted in English, limiting the input from non-English speaking families. One parent pointed out that relying solely on translation services does not guarantee that all voices are heard in the decision-making process.
Transparency was another significant issue raised by attendees, who questioned why only seven scenarios were being considered while other potential solutions could be overlooked. Many parents believe that the proposed school closures could lead to difficulties for vulnerable families, rather than effectively resolving the budget crisis.
Financial Background and Trust Issues
The District 65 Board of Education has been grappling with budget deficits for several years, leading to the current financial challenges. The scrutiny of the district has intensified following the indictment of the former superintendent, who faced charges of wire fraud and embezzlement. This situation has contributed to a growing lack of trust between the community and the school board, making discussions about school closures even more contentious.
The rally concluded with an emotionally charged three-hour meeting, where community members openly questioned the board’s rationale behind the potential closures. Attendees emphasized the need for empathy, transparency, and inclusion throughout the deliberative process, insisting that community members should have more substantial input regarding the future of their local schools.
Next Steps
The District 65 Board of Education is expected to make final decisions on the school closures by the end of the year. As community members rally to preserve Dawes Elementary, the larger implications of these discussions extend beyond the immediate budget crisis, reflecting broader concerns related to equity in educational resources, particularly for Title I schools like Dawes.
Attendance from Dawes Elementary parents at the protest aimed to demonstrate a united front in their commitment to maintain the school as a crucial element of their community. Through organized efforts, they seek to ensure that all voices are considered in discussions impacting the future of education in Evanston.
FAQ
What prompted the rally in Evanston?
Parents and community members rallied against the potential closure of Dawes Elementary School due to budget concerns facing District 65.
What options is the school board considering for closures?
The board is contemplating two scenarios for school closures, either shutting down Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Washington or Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Dawes.
What are the budget challenges facing the school district?
The district is facing a budget shortfall between $10 to $15 million and has been operating at a deficit for several years.
What concerns did parents express at the rally?
Parents raised issues concerning representation, transparency, and the potential negative impact on vulnerable families due to the proposed school closures.
When is the final decision on closures expected?
The District 65 Board of Education is anticipated to make final decisions regarding school closures by the end of the year.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rally Date | Tuesday evening |
| Location | Evanston |
| Participants | Parents, grandparents, children, community members |
| Main Concern | Potential closure of Dawes Elementary School |
| Budget Shortfall | $10 to $15 million |
| School Closure Scenarios | Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Washington or Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Dawes |
| Community Meeting Format Concerns | Conducted mainly in English, limiting non-English speaking input |
| Expected Decision Timeline | By the end of the year |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Evanston-Skokie District 65 Faces Community Backlash Over Potential School Closures
Community Voices Concerns Over School Closures in Evanston
Parents Rally Against Proposed School Closures in Lincolnwood
Evanston/Skokie District 65 Considers School Closures
Additional Resources
- ABC 7 Chicago
- Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
- Evanston RoundTable
- Google Search: Dawes Elementary School closure
- WGN TV
- Google Scholar: Evanston School Closure
- Fox 32 Chicago
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Evanston
- Evanston Now
- Google News: Evanston School Budget Deficit
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