News, Announcements, Reminders

Dear District 65 Community -

We hope everyone is looking forward to a beautiful weekend ahead! School now feels well underway and many of our buildings welcomed families for their curriculum nights and other events this week. As we begin a new school year, we recognize the concern of our community as we face decisions regarding potential school closures and the continued need to put our district on a path to financial sustainability.

We recognize that conversations about possible school closures are very personal and emotional for our community. No one wants to be in this position and everything about this process is incredibly tough. We recognize the impact on all those who care so deeply about our students and schools.

This morning, we learned that preliminary and incomplete draft materials related to the Structural Deficit Reduction Plan (SDRP) may have been shared outside of the district’s formal process. These materials are part of an ongoing planning process, represent only a snapshot in time, and do not capture the full context or range of considerations. Our Committee is reviewing dozens of draft scenarios and what was shared is not reflective of the overall process. And yet, we recognize that the uncertainty it has caused feels unsettling and stressful for families, staff, and students.

As we embark on what will inevitably be a difficult year, we ask that our community respects the process we’ve built together. Unlike many districts who face similar challenges, our administration and school board have committed to transparency, collaboration, and data-informed decisionmaking. This process has not unfolded behind closed doors among senior leaders. Instead, we’ve invited parents, staff, and community members to serve on committees, sought input on the criteria that matter most, and look to share scenarios and accompanying data in a structured, equitable, and public way.

Significant thought and care is being used to guide any potential recommendations brought forward. No final decisions have been made and our process has multiple opportunities in the months ahead for every voice to be heard.

Now more than ever, we need to come together as a community. This is about ensuring the future strength of our schools, reinvesting in our students, and facing tough choices with honesty and compassion. We are committed to continuing to make sure every community we serve has a voice in this process. We urge you to engage fully when the scenarios are officially shared in only a couple weeks (September 29), and to trust that your feedback will matter in shaping what comes next.

Evanston/Skokie School District 65

If you have specific feedback to share, please reach out to communications@district65.net. Thank you!