News Summary
Over 75 parents gathered at the Fat Shallot restaurant to voice their opposition to the potential closure of Lincolnwood and Kingsley Elementary schools in District 65. The discussion raised concerns over the district’s financial management and the impact of closures on community stability and education access. Parents questioned the urgency of the proposed closures and demanded better communication from the school board. The district is currently facing declining enrollment and significant repair costs, contributing to the ongoing debate about the necessary actions moving forward.
Lincolnwood – Over 75 parents gathered at the Fat Shallot restaurant to voice their opposition against proposed school closures in District 65. The district has unveiled seven potential scenarios that could result in the closure of Lincolnwood Elementary and Kingsley Elementary, putting both institutions at high risk of shutting down.
Each of the proposed closure scenarios suggests eliminating Lincolnwood, Kingsley, or both schools, raising alarms among parents who fear the impact on community stability and student access to education. Other institutions mentioned in the discussions include Willard, Washington, Dawes elementary schools, and King Arts magnet school. Notably, each option under consideration also contemplates shutting down the two-way immersion Spanish-English program at Willard school.
Parents expressed their concerns regarding the expedited decision-making timeline, a perceived lack of transparency from the school board, and skepticism about whether these closures will resolve the district’s existing financial issues. Currently, the district is faced with a projected deficit, which was recently revised down to $372,509, far less than the earlier estimate of $5.69 million. This adjustment has led some parents to question the urgency of the proposed closures.
Many parents believe that the district does not face a legitimate crisis that necessitates immediate school closures. They have raised questions about whether the remaining schools would adequately accommodate students displaced by potential closures. Those concerns are particularly pronounced in the community surrounding Evanston’s north side, where families feel a strong attachment to their neighborhood schools.
Organizers of the rally, including Lincolnwood parent Katie Armistead, stressed the importance of ensuring that every child in Evanston has access to their local school. Additionally, the implications of school closures on Hispanic and Latino communities were highlighted, specifically in relation to the potential elimination of the two-way immersion program, which plays a vital role in bilingual education.
In response to the growing unrest, parents are demanding improved communication channels with the school board and the establishment of a dedicated task force to advocate against the proposed school closures. Sixth Ward Councilmember Tom Suffredin indicated that the city should be actively involved in discussions about the matter.
Not all parents feel heard in this debate. Some have voiced their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as the school board’s indifference toward north Evanston schools. Parent John Brady reminded others of the importance of articulating their concerns promptly instead of postponing their input.
The district is currently grappling with declining enrollment, which stands below 60% capacity district-wide. Furthermore, it faces an estimated $188 million in necessary repairs for its buildings. A comprehensive analysis of the potential school closures has indicated that closing King Arts could save approximately $2.7 million, while closing Kingsley and Lincolnwood might each conserve around $2 million.
Parents have criticized the process used to develop the strategic deficit reduction plan, asserting that it has lacked collaboration and transparency. They worry that hasty actions could exacerbate the district’s financial position, particularly given the trend of declining enrollment.
The school board is not anticipated to vote on any closure decisions until at least late October or early November. In the meantime, public feedback sessions have been arranged to allow parents and community members to express their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed school closures.
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Additional Resources
- Evanston Roundtable: District 65 School Closure Recommendations
- Chicago Tribune: Evanston-Skokie District 65 Leans Toward Closing Schools
- Evanston Now: D65 Incomplete School Closing Info Leaked
- Evanston Now: D65 Sets Decision Day for School Closings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
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