Evanston, August 14, 2025
News Summary
The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Board is preparing to make significant decisions regarding potential school closures to tackle a financial crisis. The board is contending with declining enrollment and ongoing budget deficits, possibly leading to the closure of multiple schools. A community meeting is scheduled to discuss these scenarios, with deadlines for public hearings and a final vote approaching. This initiative aims to enhance financial stability and resource management within the district’s schools.
Evanston – The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Board of Education is facing a significant decision this fall, with a potential vote on closing multiple schools scheduled for the upcoming school year. This measure is aimed at addressing the district’s escalating financial crisis, which is marked by declining enrollment and a series of budget deficits. The board is projected to deal with a fourth consecutive budget deficit in fiscal year 2026, leading to the reconsideration of school placements within the district.
As of August 11, the board has not finalized any specific school closures, aside from the already confirmed closure of the K-8 Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies, set for after the 2025-2026 school year. The potential closures are being considered to improve the district’s financial stability and consolidate resources in underutilized facilities.
In compliance with Illinois state law, the school board is required to conduct three public hearings to gather community feedback before making a final decision on any closures. The first informational meeting regarding these potential closures is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the board room at the Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center. During this meeting, the board will explore scenarios of school closures, which have been developed by committees comprising community volunteers and staff members.
While board members will have the option to vote on school closure scenarios during this upcoming meeting, there is no obligation to do so. A deadline in November has been established to conduct public hearings and ensure a final vote is completed before the winter break. Chief Financial Officer Tamara Mitchell indicated that potential decisions regarding school closures would be included in the agenda if they are not dealt with earlier. The district is striving to achieve budget reductions estimated between $10 million and $15 million, building on approximately $20 million already cut in previous fiscal phases.
A variety of criteria are being employed to evaluate the need for school closures. Key factors include geographic location, the equitable impact on marginalized student populations, the functionality and repair needs of school buildings, and the financial ramifications of keeping these schools operational. The committees responsible for developing these criteria include the Facilities, Finance, and Student Programs Committees, who have been collaborating bi-monthly from April through June 2024.
The district’s financial struggles are not new; patterns of budgetary issues date back to 2003, threatening the operational viability of many schools within the district. As part of its efforts to mitigate this pressing financial situation, the school board is emphasizing the importance of community involvement and feedback, which will be encouraged in future meetings prior to rendering any decisions on school closures.
Key Factors Leading to Potential School Closures
- Declining Student Enrollment
- Three Consecutive Budget Deficits
- Projected Fourth Deficit in FY 2026
- Need for Approximately $10 million to $15 million Budget Cuts
- Established Criteria for Assessments Including Equity, Facility Needs, and Walkability
Timeline for Decision-Making
- First Informational Meeting: 6 p.m. at Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center
- Public Hearings Deadline: November
- Final Vote Before Winter Break
Background Context
The Evanston/Skokie School District has been grappling with financial challenges for over a decade, which have culminated in the current situation. The introduction of the new Foster School next summer necessitates an evaluation of existing schools to ensure efficient resource allocation and maintain the quality of education amid financial constraints.
Community Engagement
The district encourages community involvement during this critical decision-making process, aiming to ensure that all voices are heard and considered in any final resolutions about school closures.
FAQ
What is the reason for potential school closures in District 65?
The closures are largely due to falling enrollment numbers, three consecutive budget deficits, and a projected fourth for fiscal year 2026.
When will the school board vote on closures?
The school board may vote on closures during their first informational meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. or at a later date following public hearings.
What are the criteria for assessing school closures?
Criteria include geographic location, equity impact on marginalized student groups, building functionality, and financial impact.
What is the timeline for this decision-making process?
Public hearings and a final vote are set to take place by November before winter break.
Summary Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Potential School Closures | Consideration of multiple school closures due to financial crises and declining enrollment. |
| Financial Situation | Facing three consecutive budget deficits with a fourth projected for FY 2026. |
| Public Hearings | Illinois law mandates three public hearings before final decisions. |
| First Informational Meeting | Scheduled for 6 p.m. at Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center. |
| Assessment Criteria | Includes geographic location, equity impact, building functionality, and financial considerations. |
| Community Engagement | Encouraged participation from community members for feedback on closures. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Evanston Roundtable: Potential School Closures District 65
- Wikipedia: School Closure
- Chicago Tribune: D65 May Close Four Schools
- Google Search: Evanston School Closures
- Evanston Roundtable: Evanston School Closures – Equity & Geography
- Google Scholar: School Closure Impact
- ABC7 Chicago: School Closings List
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure
- Evanston Now: D65 Seeking Public Input
- Google News: Evanston D65 School Closures
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