EVANSTON, Ill. () — More school closures could be ahead for Evanston-Skokie School District 65 as officials confront a worsening financial outlook.
District officials will hold a town meeting Tuesday to discuss the district’s financial challenges.
The interim superintendent said the goal is to break a cycle of financial crises that has forced District 65 to impose cuts year after year without addressing the deeper problems.
District leaders said expenses are increasing faster than revenue, while student enrollment continues to fall.
They said the district’s staffing levels, academic programs, daily operations and school buildings are no longer matched to the number of students it serves.
District 65 is also maintaining more building space than it needs, even as its aging facilities require significant repairs and upgrades.
The district has already closed the Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies and Kingsley Elementary, decisions that drew concern and opposition from families.
Although District 65 has made other substantial cuts, leaders say its current financial trajectory cannot continue.
The proposed plan includes roughly $20 million in reductions for fiscal year 2028, as well as the closure of two additional schools.
Officials have not identified which schools could be affected or explained where the remaining cuts would be made.
District leaders said the meetings are intended to help families understand the financial situation before officials unveil their proposed solution.
The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Chute Middle School.
Two additional meetings are planned for Wednesday and Thursday. The complete proposal is expected to be presented at the October 13 school board meeting.
