Community Rallies to Save Dawes Elementary School

News Summary

In Evanston, community members gathered to protest the proposed closure of Dawes Elementary School due to budget issues facing District 65. Parents voiced their concerns about the impact on vulnerable families and called for inclusive discussions on school closures. The school board is reviewing several closure scenarios in light of a significant budget deficit while families stress the importance of their local schools.

Evanston – On Tuesday evening, parents, grandparents, children, and community members came together in Evanston to protest against the proposed closure of Dawes Elementary School. This rally was organized in response to plans being considered by the District 65 Board of Education as part of an effort to address ongoing budget challenges facing the district.

The rally took place just before the first community meeting where district officials would discuss potential school closure scenarios with residents. Attendees at the rally voiced their concerns through chants like “Hey hey, hey hey, Dawes School has got to stay” and “Title I, we are one, don’t close Dawes, we’re not done.” The primary message was clear: many in the community believe that closing Dawes would have severe repercussions.

The District 65 Board of Education is evaluating two potential scenarios for school closures. One scenario would involve closing Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Washington schools, while the other option centers around closing Lincolnwood, Kingsley, and Dawes. These discussions come amid financial burdens, as the district grapples with a significant budget shortfall estimated between $10 million and $15 million, and has been running at a deficit for several years.

Attendance at the event highlighted the solidarity among Dawes Elementary parents, emphasizing the school as a vital resource for the community. However, some attendees raised important concerns regarding the decision-making process and representation. A few parents indicated that the voices of certain community members might not be fully heard, noting that the meetings have predominantly been conducted in English, which may alienate Spanish-speaking families. One parent expressed that translation services alone do not facilitate genuine participation and representation in these critical discussions.

In the wake of these proposed closures, several parents highlighted the potential crises that such actions could create for vulnerable families. They questioned whether the proposed measures would resolve the district’s budget issues or merely shift the burden onto already struggling families. Concerns extended to trust issues within the community, compounded by the indictment of former superintendent Devon Horton on charges of wire fraud and embezzlement, which has raised serious questions about the district’s administration and operations.

An emotionally charged three-hour meeting followed the rally, with community members asserting the need for empathy, transparency, and inclusive discussion surrounding the possible school closures. The board members faced tough questions as parents sought clearer answers about the criteria that led to the consideration of only seven specific scenarios for school closures.

The school board is expected to arrive at final decisions regarding the closures by the end of the year, leaving the community anxious about the future of their local schools. The tensions arising from this situation underscore broader issues of equity within the district, particularly impacting Title I schools like Dawes Elementary, which serve a significant number of low-income students.

Overall, the rally showcased a community determined to protect its educational resources, emphasizing the importance of including diverse perspectives in the closure deliberations. The outcome of this debate remains to be seen, yet the unified effort to save Dawes School marks a pivotal moment for families and supporters advocating for quality education for all children in Evanston.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Evanston School Board Faces Community Opposition Over Closures
Community Voices Concerns Over Proposed School Closures
Parents Rally Against Proposed School Closures in District 65
Evanston School Board Considers Closure of Elementary Schools

Additional Resources

• ABC 7 Chicago
• Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
• Evanston RoundTable
• Google Search: Dawes Elementary School closure
• WGN TV
• Google Scholar: Evanston School Closure
• Fox 32 Chicago
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Evanston
• Evanston Now
• Google News: Evanston School Budget Deficit