One of the most significant District 65 school board meetings in recent decades has just begun, and if recent meetings on the school closing controversy are any indication, this session will be a long one. The board will consider three separate school closing scenarios, one of which was just put on the list on Saturday. The newest option closes only Kingsley Elementary, the others are either Kingsley and Willard, or Kingsley and Lincolnwood. District 65 explained that if the board decided to advance a single closing only, they could only vote on something which was on the agenda, so the “Kingsley alone” option was added. Closings would take effect for 2026-27, although some board members favor spreading them out over two consecutive years (if there is more than one shutdown). The board last meeting saw more than 70 people sign up for public comment about shutting schools . most were critical of potential two- school closing options, but some were supportive, For this session about 75 have put their names on the list, and parent groups are expected to present some new alternatives. Plus, add administration comments and school board member input, along with a vote, and this meeting could be like the 4. 5 hour marathon on November 3. Despite District 65’s serious financial troubles declining enrollment, too many buildings for too few students, too many staff for too few kids, and too much political baggage from the Devon Horton indictment, the basic reality is that nobody wants their own neighborhood school to close . and yet somebody’s will (or perhaps two “somebody’s”). Administrators have said that D65 would save $2 million per year for each building which closes. So for each building which does not close, that would be additional cuts needed to help wipe out red ink. Another elephant in the room, or at least out in the lobby, is a potential property tax hike referendum for long-term capital needs and perhaps for operations as well. If the board wants that on the March, 2026 ballot, they have to decide by December 29. Whatever closing scenario recommendation comes of tonight’s meeting, it is not a final vote. There would still have to be three public hearings per school, and then the actual decision on December 15. And, oh yes, there is one more wrinkle. That final decision will come with the board being one member short. Omar Salem resigned recently, and his replacement will not be named until December 16, one day after the school closing vote. So with only six members on the board for that vote, in theory, if not in likelihood, things could turn out to be a 3-3 tie. Then what? As for the current meeting, Evanston Now will provide updates of any significant developments along with whatever scenario recommendation is ultimately advanced.
https://evanstonnow.com/critical-d65-school-board-meeting-under-way/
Critical D65 School Board meeting under way
