Evanston, Illinois, October 16, 2025
News Summary
The Evanston-Skokie School District 65 board is discussing potential closures of elementary schools due to a budget deficit and declining enrollment. With enrollment falling below 60% capacity, options being considered include the closure of Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Dewey schools, as well as converting King Arts magnet school into a neighborhood school. A data-driven approach is being used to evaluate impacts on students and community needs, and public feedback will be sought before any decisions are made.
Evanston, Illinois – The Evanston-Skokie School District 65 board has initiated discussions regarding potential school closures due to a significant budget deficit and declining student enrollment. The board convened for nearly four and a half hours to review revised scenarios aimed at redistributing students throughout the district while recognizing the potential impact on middle school feeder patterns and increased transportation requirements.
During a recent meeting on September 29, the board considered a third scenario that includes closing three elementary schools: Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Dewey. Additionally, a proposal to convert King Arts magnet school into a neighborhood elementary school was put on the table. With current elementary school enrollment falling below 60% capacity on average, the district grapples with the necessity of school closures to better align with student populations.
The assistant superintendent, Stacy Beardsley, indicated that the scenarios being evaluated are manageable and that the district is committed to navigating these potential changes. The district’s financial situation remains critical, with estimates of budget cuts totaling between $10 million to $15 million needed by the 2027 fiscal year to restore financial health.
One of the driving factors behind the consideration of closures is the substantial $188 million in deferred maintenance required across district buildings. This urgent need for repairs adds another layer of pressure on the school district’s budget and presents challenges that must be addressed swiftly.
The board has taken a data-driven approach to the school closure scenarios, evaluating each option using weighted scores based on factors such as geography, equity, building costs, functionality, and community income. The revised scenarios include options where Dewey Elementary could gain a second Two-Way Immersion (TWI) strand at the expense of Willard losing its own TWI program. Conversely, other scenarios suggest significant imbalances in middle school capacities.
At the meeting, board members expressed mixed feelings about the proposed scenarios. Some advocated for a phased approach to any closures to allow for a closer evaluation of financial impacts and to address potential negative outcomes for students, particularly those in specialized programs and marginalized communities. The former board president advocated for decisive action to prevent delays in vital decision-making.
In response to community feedback and concerns about meeting times—specifically the 9 a.m. weekday schedule—community engagement initiatives, including a series of four community feedback meetings, have been set up to gather public opinion on the closure proposals. The board plans to finalize any changes by mid-November, with adjustments based on feedback expected by early November.
The recent discussions on school closures are a continuation of ongoing financial challenges for the district, which has previously reduced staff and closed Bessie Rhodes Elementary School. These challenges have been compounded by a need for transparency and community trust as deadlines to balance the budget approach.
Conclusion
The future of several elementary schools in the Evanston-Skokie District 65 hangs in the balance as the school board evaluates necessary closures and budget cuts to ensure financial viability by 2030. The outcome of these discussions will shape the educational landscape for countless students and families within the district.
FAQ Section
What schools are being considered for closure by District 65?
The schools being considered for closure include Lincolnwood, Kingsley, Dewey, and the conversion of King Arts magnet school into a neighborhood elementary school.
Why is District 65 considering school closures?
The district is facing a significant budget deficit estimated between $10 million to $15 million by the fiscal year 2027, coupled with declining enrollment that has led to elementary schools operating below 60% capacity.
What is the estimated cost of deferred maintenance in district buildings?
The estimated cost for deferred maintenance across District 65 buildings is approximately $188 million.
When will a decision regarding school closures be finalized?
The board aims to finalize any decisions around school closures by mid-November, after gathering further feedback from community meetings and board members.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 Chicago
- Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
- Evanston RoundTable
- Google Search: D65 school closures Evanston
- Daily Northwestern
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Evanston
- NBC Chicago
- Google News: Evanston school closures
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