News Summary
District 65 is confronting major financial challenges, with declining enrollment and budget deficits leading to plans for potential school closures. The school board’s upcoming vote will determine the fate of educational facilities, including the recently announced closure of Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies. Public hearings will gather community input before final decisions are made, with equity considerations playing a vital role in the evaluation process. As the district strives for financial stability, the community’s educational landscape hangs in the balance.
District 65 is facing a significant challenge as it grapples with falling enrollment numbers and consecutive budget deficits, prompting the possibility of closing one or more schools in the coming years. A vote by the school board this fall could determine the fate of various educational facilities as part of a broader strategy to stabilize the district’s financial standing and better utilize existing classroom space.
The district has announced the closure of the Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies, effective after the 2025-2026 school year, which has raised concerns among parents and community members. The school board is set to convene on Monday to review updates regarding its structural deficit reduction plan, which aims to cut between $10 million and $15 million from the budget, building on previous financial adjustments.
Public Involvement and Hearings
Before any final decisions on school closures are made, state law requires that three public hearings be held to gather community feedback. These hearings provide an avenue for parents, teachers, and community members to voice their concerns regarding potential changes in the school landscape.
Evaluation Criteria for School Closures
The district’s Facilities Subcommittee has been actively assessing all District 65 schools to inform its closure decisions. The criteria for evaluating schools for closure includes factors such as equity, geography, building functionality, and the potential revenue from property sales. Among these factors, geography has been designated as having the highest weight, focusing on student walkability with a maximum distance limit of 0.75 miles to school. This criterion intends to minimize the impact on students’ accessibility to their educational facilities.
Considerations for Equity
Equity remains a crucial factor for the district, as decisions regarding school closures aim to avoid disproportionately affecting marginalized student populations, including Black students and English language learners. The district’s commitment to equity reflects an awareness of the broader implications that school closures can have on these communities.
Age and Condition of District Facilities
The average age of a District 65 school is 79 years, and many of the facilities are in need of significant repairs and renovations. Accessibility issues also hinder the ability of some schools to serve all students effectively, making the evaluation of resources critical in this restructuring process.
Community meetings aimed at gathering feedback about potential school closures are scheduled for September and November ahead of any final decisions. The district is targeting a timeframe in which any closures would take effect by July 1, 2026, coinciding with the opening of the new Foster School.
Background on Financial Sustainability
Financial sustainability has become a pressing issue for District 65, with budgetary challenges dating back to 2003. The district has been struggling with declining enrollment, which adversely affects funding and capacity to maintain school operations. As enrollment continues to dwindle and financial pressures mount, the consideration of school closures is seen as a necessary, if difficult, step forward.
In conclusion, as District 65 moves toward a vote on potential school closures, the outcome will significantly impact students, families, and the community’s educational landscape. Through its evaluation process, public hearings, and commitment to equity, the district aims to navigate this challenging situation responsibly while striving for financial stability and educational excellence.
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Additional Resources
- Evanston Roundtable: Potential School Closures in District 65
- Wikipedia: Evanston, Illinois
- Chicago Tribune: Closure of Four Schools in District 65
- Google Search: District 65 Evanston School Closures
- Evanston Now: D65 Seeking Public Input on School Closings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: District 65 Evanston
- Daily Northwestern: D65 School Consolidation Criteria
- Google News: District 65 Evanston
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
