Evanston/Skokie Board Rejects School Closures, Votes Dec. 1

BREAKING: The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Board of Education has just announced it will keep Lincolnwood Elementary School open, rejecting a proposal to close it at the end of the school year. During a special Board meeting on November 20, the Board unanimously voted against school closures amid pressing budget concerns, but will revisit the issue in a crucial vote set for December 1.

The urgency surrounding this decision is palpable as the Board faces a ticking clock to finalize school closures by December 19. This decision is critical for balancing the district’s budget, with implications for students, teachers, and families in the community.

At a previous meeting on November 17, the Board was deadlocked with a 3-3 vote, preventing a move to close both Kingsley and Lincolnwood or just Kingsley alone. With both schools remaining open for now, the Board is set to reconsider these options again at its upcoming meeting on December 1. However, uncertainty looms as it remains unclear if any Board members have shifted their positions on potential closures.

“I don’t want to close any schools,” said Board President Patricia Anderson. “But I want to maintain financial stewardship over District 65.” Anderson’s comments reflect the gravity of the situation, especially as the district grapples with a looming financial crisis. She drew on her experience from the impending closure of Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies to underscore the challenges ahead.

The Board’s established timeline allows for public hearings on proposed closures before the binding vote on December 19. Illinois law mandates at least three public hearings for each school under consideration, creating a narrow window for community input.

In a concerning letter read aloud by Superintendent Angel Turner, school principals expressed “deep disappointment and growing concern” over the Board’s indecision. They warned that ongoing delays could lead to state intervention, which would severely impact the district’s governance. The principals emphasized that the consequences of indecision are “not abstract,” highlighting the immediate risks to student wellbeing and educational stability.

In the face of a structural deficit that has led to significant cuts, including layoffs and the closure of Bessie Rhodes, the Board must act decisively. Failure to do so could jeopardize the entire district, as warned by financial consultants in 2024, who indicated that without major cuts, the district could face a takeover by the Illinois State Board of Education.

As the December votes approach, community members are urged to engage in the process. The Board’s decisions in the coming weeks will determine the future of not just Lincolnwood and Kingsley, but the entire District 65.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this developing story. The stakes are high for students, families, and educators in the Evanston/Skokie community.