Financial Challenges and Proposed Changes in Evanston/Skokie School District 65

Evanston/Skokie School District 65 is confronting significant financial challenges. Interim Superintendent Eric Witherspoon outlined a proposal to address the district’s ongoing budget deficit. This proposal, if approved, would include a reduction in the district’s fiscal year 2028 budget by approximately $20 million. Key elements of the plan involve the closure of Lincolnwood Elementary School and Dewey Elementary School at the conclusion of the 2026-27 academic year.

The district also suggested ending the School Age Child Care (SACC) program at the end of the current school year. Head Start and Early Head Start programs may be discontinued starting July 2028; however, the PreSchool for All program would remain as it receives state funding.

The SACC program costs the district an estimated $1.95 million annually, while early childhood programming costs about $4.9 million. Despite parent contributions, district savings from cutting these programs would amount to under $2 million. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Beardsley remarked on the financial feasibility challenges of maintaining the SACC program. Continuing it would require a 35% fee increase for students.

Previously, the closure of Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies and Kingsley Elementary resulted in an estimated $3 million in annual savings and projected $57 million savings over 20 years. Witherspoon stressed the necessity for further consolidations.

Both Dewey and Lincolnwood school properties will be retained by District 65 and will not be sold, leased, or repurposed. This decision allows for future construction work, minimizing student learning disruptions.

Declining enrollment has impacted feeder patterns for middle schools like Haven and Nichols. For instance, the Haven feeder pattern’s enrollment decreased by 33% over the past decade. District financial leaders noted that Lincolnwood students can primarily be integrated into Willard Elementary.

These proposed changes involved redistricting broader elementary boundaries, affecting about 713 students; 329 are identified as marginalized. The closures are projected to save $2.9 million annually and $58 million over 20 years.

Alongside school closures, over 200 staff positions may be eliminated. Employee compensation and benefits constitute 75% of the district’s budget, with potential savings expected from reductions in technology, supplies, and outside agency services. Transportation contracts will also be reconsidered.

To encourage early student registration, a fee of $100 will be levied on families paying full price. Early registrations will receive a $75 discount.

While these measures face criticism, Witherspoon stated they are essential for resolving deficit financing. Board members acknowledged the impact on district families and emphasized the importance of achieving financial stability.

Families affected by the proposal expressed dissatisfaction. Some parents, feeling blindsided by Dewey’s closure, urged for more scrutiny and time for financial analysis. Scheduled school closure hearings would follow the Nov. 9 vote.