Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Faces Financial Challenges

Interim Superintendent Eric Witherspoon of Evanston/Skokie School District 65 addressed significant budget challenges at the district’s recent meeting. He acknowledged the familiar topic of the district’s financial difficulties, emphasizing the need for solutions. Witherspoon presented a proposal to reduce the fiscal year 2028 budget by $20 million and announced the closure of two elementary schools. Parents face the difficult news of Lincolnwood and Dewey Elementary closures at the end of the 2026-27 academic year.

Alongside these closures, the district also considers eliminating the School Age Child Care program by the end of the current year and ending Head Start programs by July 2028. Despite the closures, the Preschool for All program will continue with state funding. The child care program incurs significant costs, but district savings from eliminating these programs would be less than $2 million annually due to parental fees.

Assistant Superintendent Stacy Beardsley explained the feasibility issues with the SACC program, noting a necessary 35% increase in fees to break even. Beardsley highlighted the rarity of districts running their own childcare programs. Previously closed schools saved $3 million per year, illustrating the need for further consolidation.

Dewey and Lincolnwood schools will remain as district properties, allowing potential construction and updates without impacting student learning. These properties may serve as temporary schools during renovations elsewhere. The district plans to invest in remaining school infrastructure, accommodating a smaller district footprint.

School closures were chosen due to feeder pattern declines and capital expenditure requirements. Enrollment declines in Haven Middle School’s feeder pattern were 33% over a decade, impacting future planning. Dewey’s reduced enrollment affects its feasibility to remain open, with limited space compared to other schools in its category.

Redistricting resulting from these changes will affect 713 students, including 329 marginalized students. The closures should achieve $2.9 million annual savings, with projected savings of $58 million over 20 years. Community conversations and considerations for eliminating over 200 positions are in progress to streamline budgeting.

Economic constraints drive efforts to cut costs across technology, supplies, and contracts. Transportation services also face impending adjustments. New family fees for non-income-qualified students aim to increase early student registration, aiding budget planning.

Witherspoon emphasized the daunting nature of the proposal and the opening of a new chapter free from deficit financing. The board acknowledged the proposal’s impact on families, with many disrupted in past school closures.

Board members shared candid reflections on the fiscal situation, attributing it to previous administrations. Parent reactions underscored feelings of suddenness, especially regarding Dewey’s closure absence from earlier proposals. Parents call for more scrutiny and discussion before finalizing decisions. Scheduled hearings for school closures depend on the upcoming board vote.