Evanston, IL, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The Evanston/Skokie District 65 Board of Education is exploring the possibility of closing three elementary schools to address a structural deficit. The proposed closures could save the district approximately $9.18 million annually amid a significant decline in student enrollment. Community meetings are scheduled to gather feedback on the matter before the Board makes a final decision, possibly as early as November.
Evanston, IL – The Evanston/Skokie District 65 Board of Education is considering closing three elementary schools—Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, and either Dawes or Washington—as part of a strategy to resolve a significant structural deficit. During a recent meeting, the Board explored seven different scenarios for potential school closures, which included the option of closing up to four schools, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literary and Fine Arts School. Though no definite decision was made, Board members indicated that a resolution could come as early as November.
Shuttering the schools under consideration could save the district approximately $9.18 million annually. Currently, District 65 has experienced a 20% decline in student enrollment since 2018, exacerbating budget shortfalls and operational inefficiencies. The existing school buildings are operating at only 58% capacity on average and require about $188 million in repairs.
In response to the proposed closures, the Board has scheduled several upcoming meetings to gather community feedback on the matter. Community input sessions will take place at Chute Middle School on October 14, Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center on October 15, and Nichols Middle School on October 15. These sessions aim to provide stakeholders with the opportunity to express their concerns and suggestions before any final decisions are made.
According to the district’s financial consultant, previous budget deficits have led to a critically low reserve balance that falls short of state targets. Parents and community members have raised apprehensions regarding the speed of the decision-making process and the possible repercussions for students and educators, urging for a more transparent dialogue and better community engagement in determining the schools’ futures.
The Board’s timeline suggests that a vote on school closures could occur by November, following public comment sessions and the gathering of community insights. If recommended scenarios move forward, the district would need to reorganize school attendance boundaries to account for the closures. Kingsley and Lincolnwood frequently appeared in the district staff’s recommendations, with Lincolnwood expected to show the lowest enrollment under the newly proposed attendance boundaries planned for August 2026.
The decision to close schools could have profound implications, resulting in reduced operational costs but also potential job losses for educators and staff, creating additional concern among stakeholders. As the Board continues discussions regarding the closures, they plan to assess impacts on staffing, student needs, and broader community effects.
Next Steps
As the Board navigates this challenging situation, they are committed to evaluating how best to serve the educational needs of Evanston and Skokie residents while addressing the financial difficulties faced by District 65. Future meetings will be critical in shaping the outcome of this dilemma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is District 65 considering closing schools?
District 65 is facing a structural deficit due to a significant decline in student enrollment and budget shortfalls. Closing schools could help improve the financial situation by saving approximately $9.18 million annually.
What schools are under consideration for closure?
The schools being considered for closure include Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, and either Dawes or Washington.
When will a decision be made?
A vote on the school closures could take place as early as November, following community feedback sessions scheduled in mid-October.
How is the district planning to involve the community in the decision-making process?
The Board has scheduled several community input sessions at various locations to gather feedback and concerns from parents and community members before making a final decision.
Key Features of the Proposed School Closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Schools Under Consideration | Kingsley, Lincolnwood, Dawes or Washington |
| Potential Annual Savings | $9.18 million |
| Student Enrollment Decline | 20% since 2018 |
| Current Capacity | 58% average usage of school buildings |
| Repair Needs | $188 million |
| Community Meetings | Chute Middle School (Oct 14), Fleetwood-Jourdain (Oct 15), Nichols Middle School (Oct 15) |
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Additional Resources
- Evanston RoundTable: Simone Larson Column on School Closures
- Evanston RoundTable: District 65 School Closure Recommendations
- Chicago Tribune: Evanston/Skokie D65 Leans Toward Closing Schools
- ABC7 Chicago: Evanston/Skokie District 65 Students Return to New Cell Phone Policy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closures
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