More than 200 parents, students, and community members gathered at Ackerman Park on Sunday, holding handmade signs and wearing school colors to protest potential school closures in Evanston/Skokie District 65. The rally, organized under the banner “Save Our Schools,” highlighted growing community concern over a plan that could shutter up to four elementary schools to address a severe budget crisis.
Despite representing different schools, speakers and attendees emphasized a message of unity. They are urging the school board to slow down the decision-making process and explore alternatives to what many fear will be a drastic and damaging measure for their children and neighborhoods.
Key Takeaways
- Over 200 people attended a rally to protest potential school closures in Evanston/Skokie District 65.
- The district is considering closing up to four schools to address a projected $10-$15 million budget deficit by 2030.
- Key factors driving the proposal include declining enrollment, with elementary schools below 60% capacity, and $188 million in needed building repairs.
- A community petition with over 1,000 signatures calls for closing only one additional school, not three or four.
- The school board is set to vote on which closure scenario to advance on November 17, which will be followed by public hearings.
A District Facing Difficult Choices
The push for school closures stems from a challenging financial reality for District 65. Officials have stated the district must cut between $10 million and $15 million to balance its budget by the 2030 fiscal year after several consecutive years of deficits. This financial pressure is compounded by two other significant issues: declining student numbers and aging infrastructure.
By the Numbers: District 65's Challenges
- Budget Deficit: A $10-$15 million shortfall projected by fiscal year 2030.
- Enrollment Decline: Elementary schools are currently below 60% capacity district-wide.
- Building Repairs: An estimated $188 million is needed for facility maintenance and repairs.
These factors have led the school board to consider several scenarios. The Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies is already slated for closure. Now, the board is focused on proposals that would close three additional schools. The most discussed plans involve closing both Lincolnwood Elementary and Kingsley Elementary, along with either Washington Elementary or Dawes Elementary.
The Scenarios on the Table
Each proposal carries significant consequences for students and families. A key component of the current plans involves relocating the district's two-way immersion (TWI) program in English and Spanish from its current home at Willard Elementary to Lincoln Elementary. This move has drawn criticism from parents who see the TWI program as a vital community asset.
The school board's next major step is a vote scheduled for November 17. It is important to note this vote will not finalize any school closures. Instead, it will select a specific closure scenario for further consideration. This action will trigger a series of mandatory public hearings for each school named in the chosen plan. A final, binding vote on closures would only occur after these hearings are completed.
A Community Pushes Back
Many parents at the Sunday rally expressed frustration, arguing the process feels rushed. This sentiment is the driving force behind a petition that has gained significant traction in the community.
Petition Demands a Slower Approach
A petition organized by parents, which has collected over 1,000 signatures, calls on the school board to reject what it calls the “nuclear option.” Instead of closing three or four schools, the petition advocates for closing just one additional school besides the already-approved closure of Bessie Rhodes. This, they argue, would provide the district time to explore other financial solutions without causing widespread disruption.
Lauren Greenwood, the Washington PTA secretary and a speaker at the rally, described a widespread feeling among parents that the district has not adequately justified such extreme measures.
“Parents and community members are saying through this petition that we have not been convinced that we are at the point that we need to hit the button on the nuclear option. We believe there is a better way,” Greenwood stated.
This call for a more measured approach was echoed by others who believe the district has not exhausted all other financial options. Katie Armistead, a leader in the “District 65: Invest in Neighborhood Schools” movement, told the crowd that her organization now represents 600 families across Evanston.
“There’s a laundry list of better financial solutions the district should be considering, and it doesn’t start with closing our schools,” Armistead declared. “It starts with investing in our neighborhood schools.”
Voices from the Rally
While families wore the colors of their respective schools—Washington, Lincolnwood, Willard, and others—the overarching theme of the event was solidarity.
Bruce Williams, a Willard parent, spoke about the value of the two-way immersion program, which is threatened in every current proposal. “We see [TWI] as a good for the community,” Williams said. “We see it as a good for the district.”
The personal impact of the potential changes was palpable. Eric Shore, a father of two Washington students, explained how the proposed redistricting would affect his family directly. His daughter could be separated from her close friends, as they might be sent to different elementary and middle schools.
“That hits real hard,” Shore said, touching his chest. He emphasized his reason for attending was not just for his own school. “We’re here to support Washington and the greater mission to connect with the school board.”
Maiko Yanai, another Washington parent whose son is in the TWI program, shared a similar view. “I want to support all schools,” she said. “It’s so great to be in the community and learn about the cultural differences.”
What Happens Next
The community's demonstration serves as a powerful message to the school board ahead of its upcoming meetings. The board is scheduled to continue its discussion on the closure scenarios on Monday, October 27, before the critical vote on November 17.
Organizers of the rally felt the turnout sent a clear signal. “I’m just so excited people came,” said Lauren Greenwood after her speech. “We’ll see what the board has to say tomorrow night.”
The focus now shifts to the school board, as hundreds of families wait to see if their calls for a more cautious approach will be heard, or if the district will move forward with a plan that could reshape the educational landscape of Evanston for years to come.