Lincolnwood, Illinois, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Over 75 parents gathered at the Fat Shallot restaurant to voice their opposition to the District 65 school board’s planned closures of Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary schools. Concerns were raised about the lack of transparency, the rushed decision-making process, and the potential negative impact on students, especially in the north side and Latino communities. Parents are advocating for more communication and the establishment of a task force to prevent these closures, which could exacerbate the district’s financial issues amid declining enrollment rates.
Lincolnwood, Illinois – Over 75 parents assembled at the Fat Shallot restaurant to express their opposition to the District 65 school board’s proposed school closures, which could put Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary schools at significant risk. The district has introduced seven potential scenarios for school closures, each involving plans to shut down either Lincolnwood, Kingsley, or both schools, as part of broader considerations impacting other facilities such as Willard, Washington, Dawes, and King Arts magnet schools.
Parents are voicing their concerns regarding the District’s rushed decision-making timeline, claiming a lack of transparency from the school board and questioning whether these closures are truly necessary to address the district’s financial struggles. The district recently revised its projected deficit to $372,509, a significant reduction from the previous estimate of $5.69 million. Parents argue that this figure does not warrant immediate action and express skepticism that school closures will effectively solve the district’s financial woes.
At the rally, parents highlighted that closures would disproportionately affect students on Evanston’s north side, emphasizing the importance of access to neighborhood schools for all children. Concerns were also raised about the impact of these closures on Hispanic and Latino communities, particularly relating to the two-way immersion program offered at Willard School, which some fear may be eliminated in the proposed changes.
In light of these discussions, parents are advocating for increased communication with the school board and the formation of a task force to enhance advocacy efforts against potential closures. Sixth Ward Councilmember Tom Suffredin has suggested that the city should also be involved in these discussions to ensure that the community’s voice is heard.
Some parents expressed frustration with the perception that the school board demonstrates a lack of commitment to schools on the north side of Evanston. They emphasized the urgency of voicing concerns sooner rather than later, noting the district’s declining enrollment rate, which is currently below 60% capacity overall. Moreover, the district has identified approximately $188 million in necessary repairs across its facilities.
The comprehensive analysis provided by the district indicates that closing King Arts could save about $2.7 million, while the closure of Kingsley and Lincolnwood could result in savings of roughly $2 million each. However, parents are worried that hastily implemented closures may exacerbate the district’s financial instability given ongoing enrollment trends.
The school board is not expected to vote on any closure decisions until at least late October or early November. Public feedback sessions have been scheduled to allow parents and members of the community to share their thoughts and concerns regarding the proposed school changes and associated financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What schools are at risk of closure in District 65?
The proposed scenarios include closures for Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary schools, as well as possible closures of Willard, Washington, Dawes elementary schools, and King Arts magnet school. - Why are parents opposing the school closures?
Parents are concerned about the rushed decision timeline, lack of transparency from the school board, and whether these closures will effectively resolve the district’s financial issues. - What is the current financial status of District 65?
The district’s projected deficit has been revised to $372,509, significantly lower than the previously estimated $5.69 million. - How might the school closures impact students and the community?
Closure of these schools could disproportionately affect students on the north side of Evanston and have significant implications for the Hispanic and Latino communities that utilize the two-way immersion program. - When will the school board make a decision about closures?
The board is scheduled to vote on closure decisions in late October or early November.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Investigation Underway for Road-Rage Shooting in Phoenix
West Virginia Board of Education Calls for Action on School Funding
Kyrene Elementary School District Revises Closure Plans
Evanston/Skokie District 65 Considers School Closures
Severe Flooding and Rainfall Lead to Emergency in Phoenix
ASU Introduces AI Course Taught by Music Industry Icon
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Completes Major Renovation
MnDOT Halts Roadwork to Honor Fallen Construction Workers
Peabody Magnet High School Homecoming Events Canceled Due to Security Threats
Closure of Wolves Den Parkway Announced
Additional Resources
- Evanston Roundtable: District 65 School Closure Recommendations
- Chicago Tribune: Evanston-Skokie District 65 Leans Toward Closing Schools
- Evanston Now: D65 Incomplete School Closing Info Leaked
- Evanston Now: D65 Sets Decision Day for School Closings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
