Evanston-Skokie District 65 Board Deadlocks on School Closures
Proposed school closures in Evanston-Skokie District 65 are unlikely to proceed at the end of the current academic year, following another deadlock by the school board. On Monday night, members could not reach a consensus on whether to close one or two schools to address a significant funding shortfall estimated between $11 million and $15 million. As a result, the Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies may be the only institution to close in spring 2024.
The district’s board faced a tie vote on two competing plans. One plan suggested closing only Kingsley Elementary School, while the other proposed closing both Kingsley and Lincolnwood Elementary School. This pattern of deadlock mirrors the previous month’s discussions, further complicating the district’s efforts to resolve its fiscal challenges.
Community members have expressed frustration over the uncertainty surrounding these decisions. Dr. David Hauser, a psychologist and parent of two children in the district, articulated concerns about the impact of instability on students. “Think about your adult lived experience since 2016. That is the entirety of these children’s lives and the world they have grown up in,” he said. “The last thing these kids need is more volatility, disruption, and chaos.”
During the meeting, board members unanimously decided against a proposal to close both Kingsley and Willard Elementary Schools. The repeated tie votes suggest that no significant action will occur this year. Illinois law mandates that the district must conduct three public hearings for any proposed school closures prior to the winter break, which begins after December 19, 2023.
The suggested closures are part of the district’s Structural Deficit Reduction Plan aimed at addressing ongoing budgetary issues. This plan focuses on reducing costs and balancing the budget by the fiscal year 2030. As discussions continue, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the district’s schools remains a pressing concern for parents and community members alike.
