District 65 Considers School Closures Amid Financial Struggles

Categories: National School NewsWeather Delays/Cancellations

A school in District 65 with a 'For Sale' sign, reflecting the district's consideration of school closures.

News Summary

District 65 is facing serious financial challenges and declining student enrollment, prompting a potential vote on school closures. The district aims to cut $10 to $15 million from its budget to achieve financial stability. Community input will be prioritized through public hearings before any final decisions. The district’s aging facilities compound the budgetary issues, leading to discussions about maintaining quality education while ensuring fiscal responsibility. The situation will significantly impact the educational landscape and the long-term health of District 65.

Evanston – District 65 is reevaluating its future as it grapples with ongoing financial struggles and declining student enrollment. A vote anticipated this fall by the school board may lead to the closure of one or more schools within the district amidst these challenges. This critical step aims to strengthen the district’s financial footing and better utilize underused classroom spaces.

The district has recently made the decision to close Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies, effective after the 2025-2026 school year, highlighting the urgency of addressing the current budget crisis. The school board is set to receive updates on the structural deficit reduction plan during its meeting on Monday. This plan outlines the district’s goal of cutting $10 million to $15 million from its budget to achieve financial stability, building on previous budget cuts made in earlier phases of this initiative.

Community Input and Decision-Making Process

Before any definitive actions are taken regarding school closures, District 65 is committed to engaging with the community. Under state law, the board must hold three public hearings to allow residents to voice their opinions and concerns. These community meetings are scheduled for September and November, providing ample opportunity for public feedback prior to any final decisions.

As the district evaluates potential closures, several criteria will guide the process. Among these, equity, geography, building functionality, and the anticipated revenue from any property sales will be prioritized. To ensure that the closures do not disproportionately affect marginalized student populations, including Black students and English language learners, equity considerations will be at the forefront of evaluations. Geography holds the highest weight in the closure criteria, focusing on student walkability, defined by a maximum travel distance of 0.75 miles to school.

Current Condition of Schools

Many schools within District 65 are aging, with the average building being 79 years old. Numerous facilities have overdue maintenance issues and accessibility concerns, making the case for closures stronger. The district’s Facilities Subcommittee has already completed visits to all schools as part of its due diligence in preparation for potential closures.

Background of Financial Issues

The financial troubles of District 65 are not a new phenomenon; budgetary challenges have persisted since at least 2003. These ongoing deficits and decreasing enrollment rates have raised alarms among district leaders and the community, prompting discussions about how to best preserve educational resources while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

By aligning the implementation of any school closures with the opening of the new Foster School by July 1, 2026, the district aims to transition smoothly as it works to maintain the quality of education provided to its students.

As the school board prepares to tackle these pressing issues, the outcome could significantly impact the district’s educational landscape and long-term financial health, making community involvement and input more essential than ever.