District 65 delays vote on closing two schools to save $20 million

Evanston-Skokie parents and students face a delayed decision regarding the future of their local schools. District 65 officials moved a scheduled Monday night vote to next week. The delay allows the board to determine if it should begin public hearings on closing Dewey Elementary School and Lincolnwood Elementary School. Spokesperson Melissa Messinger confirmed the upcoming vote will not shut the schools down immediately. A final closure vote will only happen after the hearings conclude.

The district is facing a $20 million budget gap. Leaders cite staff departures and declining enrollment as the primary drivers of this shortfall. To close the gap, the board is evaluating cuts that go beyond the two potential closures. The proposal includes eliminating more than 200 staff positions. It also includes ending an early childhood program.

Community members voiced opposition during the Monday session. Elyse Banks, a fourth grader at Dewey Elementary, addressed the board directly. "I've grown a huge connection with the Dewey community, and I want to stay with the Dewey community," Banks said. Her remarks reflected a broader sentiment among attendees who wanted to preserve existing school structures.

Other speakers emphasized the impact of the proposed changes on family stability. One community member argued the plan did more than just cut a program. "You are disrupting children’s stability, taking away opportunities, creating uncertainty for families and dismissing the work of educators who have dedicated themselves for years for these children," the speaker said.

Jeff Smith, a former parent at Lincolnwood, urged the board to rethink its strategy. He stated that closing schools or programs must be the last resort. "To this board I say reconsider. Reconsider," Smith said. The board will hold its next meeting next week to decide on the hearing process.

The financial pressure stems from long-term demographic shifts and personnel costs. The district must balance these obligations against its operational needs. The decision to delay the vote provides a brief window for further public comment before the procedural steps begin. The board retains the final authority on the budget structure.