News Summary
Over 100 parents and caregivers gathered at Washington Elementary School to voice their concerns about the proposed school closures in Evanston/Skokie School District 65. The meeting, organized by the ‘Save Washington’ group, emphasized the need for community involvement in the decision-making process. With a vote on closures approaching, many worry that the proposals could negatively impact student equity and crucial educational programs. Attendees called for a thoughtful, transparent discussion around the closures, highlighting the importance of collaboration among local schools and families.
Evanston, Illinois – Over 100 parents and caregivers voiced their concerns at Washington Elementary School regarding the proposed school closures in Evanston/Skokie School District 65. The meeting, organized by a newly formed group named “Save Washington,” aimed to address the school board’s decision-making process and emphasize the need for a thoughtful approach that considers the community’s needs.
The school board is set to discuss school closure scenarios in a vote scheduled for November 17, which will open a public hearing process for each school proposed for closure. Concerns have been raised about the tight timeline, as the board’s presentation of closure scenarios was less than seven weeks before the scheduled vote. PTA Secretary Lauren Greenwood highlighted the risks associated with such a short timeframe for community input and decision-making.
Washington Elementary is one of seven Title I schools in the district, primarily serving low-income students. Parents expressed their fears that closing this school would undermine the district’s commitment to equity. Additionally, the school hosts critical programs such as the two-way immersion English and Spanish learning program and the Structured Teaching Education Program, which supports students with autism. Parents have shared positive experiences with these programs and cautioned against budget decisions that could harm student outcomes.
The assembly at Washington Elementary included voices from the broader community as it invited participants from nearby Dawes and Oakton Elementary schools to foster collaboration and discussions regarding the impending closures. Many attendees supported the “Invest in Neighborhood Schools” initiative, calling for Washington families to engage in building coalitions across the district.
Eleven council members, including Parielle Davis, expressed the need for a unified approach between the city and District 65 to reconcile projections for population growth with the school district’s enrollment forecasts, which indicate a declining student population. There is a notable discrepancy, as city growth plans suggest an increase in residents while the district anticipates a decline in enrollment by 2027.
The proposed school closures are largely driven by a budget deficit facing the district, estimated to reach $10 to $15 million by 2027. This financial strain has prompted the district to explore closure scenarios amid decreasing enrollment rates. Some school board members have indicated a preference for more comprehensive analyses of the potential impacts of these closures and have called for transparency in the subsequent discussions.
Concerns regarding financial management have been amplified by the recent indictment of a former District 65 superintendent on charges of embezzlement and fraud. Parents have noted a growing mistrust about fiscal decisions made by the district, further complicating the discussion around school closures.
The “Save Washington” group is committed to advocating not only for the students of Washington Elementary but also for solutions that benefit all students across District 65. Parents have raised issues about the representation of marginalized voices in these discussions, especially concerning the needs of immigrant families, as the community navigates changing demographics and educational requirements.
In response to community demands for a deliberate approach to the closure process, a special school board meeting is scheduled for October 8 at the Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Education Center. This meeting will allow for additional public commentary and community participation in addressing the widespread concerns surrounding the proposed school closures.
As discussions continue, parents, caregivers, and community members are calling for the school board to approach these significant decisions with caution and a long-term perspective, mindful of the implications for students and families across the district.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
GCISD Considers Closure of Elementary Schools Amid Challenges
Former District 65 Superintendent Indicted on Federal Charges
Microsoft Withdraws Data Center Plans in Caledonia
Evanston School Board Meeting Canceled Due to Scheduling Conflict
Hudson School Board Faces School Closure Decisions
Construction Worker Dies After Fall at Van Meter School Site
Evanston School District 65 Considers School Closures
Milwaukee Faces $3.3 Billion Shortfall and Fiscal Challenges
Austin Independent School District Proposes School Closures
Call for Action to Address School Closures in West Virginia
Additional Resources
- Evanston RoundTable: District 65 Calls Special Meeting for Oct 8 to Discuss School Closures
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Evanston Now: Horton Indictment Hangs Over School Closing Process
- Google Search: Evanston school closures
- Evanston RoundTable: Save Washington School Closure
- Google Scholar: School Closure Impact
- Evanston Now: Board Leaning Towards at Least Two School Closings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure
- Evanston RoundTable: District 65 School Closure Recommendations
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
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.
