September 13, 2025

School District 65 Clarifies Plans Amid Closure Concerns

News Summary

School District 65, serving Evanston and Skokie, addresses community concerns following a leaked presentation outlining potential school closures. The district emphasizes that the material represents incomplete preliminary scenarios, not final decisions. Officials state the school board will consider recommendations regarding possible closures in an upcoming meeting, with multiple community hearings planned to ensure public input. The district is navigating budget deficits and declining enrollment, evaluating factors like geographic location and educational equity before making any decisions.

Evanston/Skokie

School District 65 Responds to Leaked Presentation on Possible School Closures

The school district serving Evanston and Skokie has issued an official statement following the recent leak of a presentation slide outlining potential plans to close multiple schools. The leak, originating from the district’s Structural Deficit Reduction Plan (SDRP) and its finance committee, has prompted the district to clarify the status and scope of the proposed closure scenarios.

Details of the Leak and Current Status

The leaked material was a slide from a presentation developed by the district’s finance committee. This committee, composed of community members, parents, and district employees, was tasked with providing input on how the district might address a financial deficit through various measures, including school closures. The district emphasized that these materials represent only a snapshot in time and do not reflect final decisions or a comprehensive list of considered options.

Nature of the Closure Scenarios

Among the leaked slides was a proposed combination of school closures involving two North side schools. However, district officials clarified that these are not final scenarios for board consideration. Instead, they are initial models meant to inform further analysis. The district reaffirmed that the school board will review official closure scenarios during a scheduled meeting on September 29, with recommendations expected by mid-November.

Guidelines and Future Steps

The school board has directed the district to model scenarios involving two to four school closures. Despite this, officials say the district has not eliminated the possibility of closures involving fewer schools if such options prove feasible. Importantly, no final decisions will be made at the upcoming meeting. The district must conduct multiple community hearings for each school considered for closure, ensuring stakeholder input is considered before any action is finalized.

Community Engagement and Transparency

Superintendent Angel Turner noted that the leak of the draft materials might have been unintentional. She emphasized that the district remains committed to engaging with the community and that the official sharing of scenarios will occur during the September 29 presentation. The district encourages parents, community members, and other stakeholders to participate actively during this process.

Background: Financial Challenges and Closure Plans

The consideration of school closures is part of the district’s broader effort to address a budget deficit and declining enrollment trends that have persisted since 2003. The district has been exploring various measures to reduce costs, including the reduction of staff, program cuts, and school closures. These initiatives are designed to help improve financial sustainability and ensure the long-term viability of district facilities.

Criteria Guiding Closure Decisions

In making final decisions, the district plans to evaluate multiple factors, such as geographic location, educational equity, building costs, building functionality, and income levels. These criteria aim to identify closures that would minimize disruption while maximizing resources and educational opportunities.

Conclusion

The district remains in the early stages of its planning process for potential school closures. While the leaked presentation has raised community concerns, officials reaffirm that no final decisions have been made and that the district intends to involve the community fully before any closures are implemented. The upcoming September 29 meeting is expected to provide more comprehensive information and opportunities for public input on the proposed scenarios.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Economic Costs of School Closures During COVID-19 Analyzed
Hudson School District Considers Closing Two Elementary Schools
Decline in Student Performance Reported by NAEP
Evanston School Board Discusses Financial Challenges and Closures
Vermont City Engages Community in School Closure Planning
Philadelphia School Board Addresses SEPTA Cuts and Charter Closures
District 65 Evaluates School Closures Due to Financial Issues
Vallejo School District Faces Potential Closures Due to Budget Deficits
Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Considers School Closures

Additional Resources

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