Evanston, October 15, 2025
News Summary
The Evanston-Skokie District 65 School Board is under pressure from the community over proposed school closures due to financial issues and declining enrollment. During a tense meeting, parents voiced their concerns about how these closures may harm children’s education and specialized programs. The district needs to cut its budget by up to $15 million by 2027, while also managing the aftermath of former superintendent’s indictment for embezzlement. Recommendations for school closures are expected soon, prompting calls for transparency and better financial practices.
Evanston
The Evanston-Skokie District 65 School Board is facing mounting pressure from the community concerning proposed school closures driven by ongoing financial challenges and declining student enrollment. During a tense meeting at Dawes Elementary on Tuesday, parents and community members gathered to voice their opposition to the potential closures, asserting that the school board’s decisions are adversely affecting families and children’s education.
Newly appointed School Board President Pat Anderson spoke about the tough decisions ahead, drawing on her personal experiences as a parent and grandparent in the district. District leaders reported that they need to reduce their budget by an estimated $10 million to $15 million by the 2027 fiscal year to achieve financial stability. This comes in the backdrop of a multi-year financial deficit and an urgent need for hundreds of millions in building repairs.
Among the schools under consideration for closure are King Arts, Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, Washington, and Dawes. These schools have been identified primarily due to low enrollment rates. The district has seen a significant drop in student numbers—from 7,496 to 6,019—representing a roughly 20% decline over the past six years, while the administrative staff has reportedly increased in that same time frame.
Further complicating matters, former Superintendent Devon Horton was recently indicted for alleged embezzlement related to a kickback scheme, which has exacerbated the fiscal troubles of the district. The board is expected to announce its recommendations regarding school closures by the end of the year.
Board member Nichole Pickard emphasized that any financial solutions may not appeal to every individual but are necessary for the district’s future viability. The board has convened a committee to explore potential strategies for bridging the financial gaps and the impacts of possible school closures.
Parents raised critical concerns about the ramifications of potential school closures on specialized programs designed for vulnerable student populations, including the RISE and STEP programs. Previously, the district had already faced backlash for closing Bessie Rhodes Elementary and cutting staff, raising alarms in the community about the repercussions of further closures.
Additionally, during this contentious meeting, Board President Sergio Hernandez resigned under community pressure and amid fallout from Horton’s indictment. The lengthy session lasted over three hours, during which numerous parents shared their apprehensions about the district’s financial oversight and the future of education in the area.
In response to community concerns, the district has scheduled feedback sessions for Tuesday and Wednesday to invite further community input regarding the proposed school closures. The district has faced criticism for failing to regulate expenses effectively while continuing to hire additional staff despite declining student enrollment.
Background Context
The challenges facing Evanston-Skokie District 65 include years of financial deficits, a significant reduction in student enrollment, and a lack of investment in maintaining school facilities. The district’s financial practices have come under scrutiny, and community stakeholders are pushing for more transparency and accountability from school board members.
Key Statistics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Enrollment | 6,019 |
| Previous Enrollment | 7,496 |
| Enrollment Decline | 20% |
| Budget Cuts Needed | $10 million to $15 million |
| Schools Proposed for Closure | King Arts, Kingsley, Lincolnwood, Washington, Dawes |
| Indictments | Former Superintendent Devon Horton |
| Petition Signatures for Resignation | 329 |
FAQ
- What led to the proposed school closures in Evanston-Skokie District 65? The proposed closures are due to financial deficits and declining enrollment rates, with the district needing to cut between $10 million and $15 million from its budget.
- Which schools are being considered for closure? King Arts, Kingsley Elementary, Lincolnwood Elementary, Washington, and Dawes are among the schools on the closure list.
- What is the timeline for the school board’s decision? The school board is expected to announce its decision regarding school closures by the end of the year.
- What is the impact of these closures? Parents are concerned that closures will significantly affect specialized programming for vulnerable student populations.
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Additional Resources
- ABC 7 Chicago
- Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
- NBC Chicago
- Google Search: Evanston Skokie District 65
- Evanston RoundTable
- Google Scholar: Evanston school closures
- Daily Northwestern
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Evanston school district
- Evanston Now
- Google News: Evanston school closure news
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