Lincolnwood, October 3, 2025
News Summary
More than 75 parents from the Lincolnwood community gathered at Fat Shallot restaurant to voice their opposition to District 65’s potential school closures. Concerns were raised about the impact on local schools, especially Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary, amidst a projected budget deficit and declining enrollment. Parents advocate for better communication and a dedicated task force to address these issues.
Lincolnwood – Over 75 parents from the Lincolnwood community gathered at the Fat Shallot restaurant to rally against District 65’s plans for potential school closures. The district recently revealed seven scenarios for closures that could include Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary, placing both schools at high risk of being shut down.
Each of the proposed scenarios involves closing either Lincolnwood, Kingsley, or both schools. Other institutions under consideration for closure include Willard, Washington, Dawes elementary schools, and King Arts magnet school. The discussions also mention eliminating the two-way immersion Spanish-English program at Willard school.
Parents expressed several concerns during the meeting, citing the rushed timeline for decision-making, a perceived lack of transparency from the school board, and skepticism about whether closing schools would effectively resolve the district’s financial problems. The district is currently operating with a projected deficit, recently adjusted to $372,509, significantly lower than the earlier estimate of $5.69 million.
Parents argue that the district does not face an actual crisis that justifies immediate closures and raised questions regarding whether there will be adequate space in remaining schools for displaced students after any closures occur. They believe school closures would disproportionately impact students who reside in Evanston’s north side.
Linking the potential closures to broader community impacts, Lincolnwood parent and coordinator of the rally, Katie Armistead, highlighted the importance of providing all children in Evanston access to a neighborhood school. There are also significant concerns about how the closures might affect Hispanic and Latino communities, especially regarding the future of the two-way immersion program.
Parents are asking for better communication from the school board and are advocating for the creation of a task force dedicated to opposing these closures. Sixth Ward Councilmember Tom Suffredin suggested that the city has a role to play in the ongoing discussions about school closures. Some parents expressed frustration over what they perceive as a lack of concern from the board regarding the condition of north Evanston schools, calling for immediate action to analyze this situation further.
Experts in the school district are facing declining enrollment, currently operating below 60% capacity districtwide. To compound these issues, there is an estimated $188 million in necessary repairs for the district’s buildings. The analysis of the school closure proposals indicates that closing King Arts could save the district approximately $2.7 million, while shutting down Kingsley and Lincolnwood could each yield savings of around $2 million.
Parents are also worried that making swift decisions about school closures could further strain the district’s financial standing, especially given ongoing trends in declining enrollment. As it stands, the school board is not scheduled to vote on any closure decisions before late October or early November. Public feedback sessions are in the works to allow parents and community members to express their views and concerns.
FAQ
What schools are being considered for closure in District 65?
The schools under consideration for closure include Lincolnwood, Kingsley, Willard, Washington, Dawes elementary schools, and King Arts magnet school.
What are the main concerns raised by parents about the proposed closures?
Parents have expressed concerns about the rushed decision-making timeline, lack of transparency from the school board, potential impacts on enrollment, and the effectiveness of closures in resolving the district’s financial issues.
When is the school board expected to vote on the closure decisions?
The school board is not expected to vote on closure decisions until at least late October or early November.
Key Features of the Proposed School Closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Schools for Closure | Lincolnwood, Kingsley, Willard, Washington, Dawes, King Arts |
| Projected Deficit | $372,509 |
| District Enrollment Capacity | Below 60% |
| Estimated Repairs Needed | $188 million |
| Potential Savings from Closures | Lincolnwood/Kingsley – $2 million each; King Arts – $2.7 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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
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