Structural Deficit Reduction Plan

District 65 is facing a budget deficit of approximately $13.2 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This deficit includes all funds except the capital projects fund. Reductions must be made by the start of the next fiscal year (July 1, 2025). We recognize that reductions of this magnitude will be challenging and are committed to centering the needs of students as we improve the financial health of the district.

Efforts to address the structural deficit have been ongoing since early 2024. The tabs at the bottom of the page are not specific to any one phase and are meant to provide a detailed picture of the work surrounding the Structural Deficit Reduction Plan. For a broad overview of the amount and focus of reductions across fiscal years, click the drop-down boxes:

Phase I: February-June 2024

Reductions At-a-Glance

$6.5 million

FTE
(Full-Time Employees)

Went into effect
July 1, 2024 (beginning of FY25)

Key areas of focus:

“Right sizing” staffing levels across departments to better match current student enrollment. School level reductions were largely made through retirement and as a result of declining student enrollment.
Creating operational efficiencies by reimagining certain non-teaching staff roles/responsibilities.
Slowing the growth rate of non-personnel expenditures across departments.

Phase II: August 2024-January 2025

Reductions At-a-Glance

$13.3 million

73 FTE
(Full-Time Employees)

Goes into effect
July 1, 2025 (beginning of FY26)

Key areas of focus:

Eliminating a “top down” approach at central office with a reduction of 26 full-time positions
Consolidation of bus routes and elimination of bus aides (with the exception of those required for student IEPs)
Reduction of 18 classroom sections to better align to student enrollment and class size guidelines (K-2=23 students; 3-5=25 students; 6-8= 28 students / view recent report)
Elimination of Academic Skills Centers with an emphasis on school-based intervention services
Reduced Summer Learning Programs (no impact to students with IEPs or English Learners)
Reduction in purchased services and supplies, including contracts and software
In accordance with State of Illinois guidelines, implementation of a school-based staffing model aligned to enrollment/student need

Phase III: February 2025- (ongoing)

Reductions At-a-Glance

$10-15 million

Impact on staff: TBD

Goes into effect
July 1, 2026 (beginning of FY27)

Key areas of focus:

Create a facility plan and consider school closure or consolidation using a data-informed decision making process
Ensure long-term financial stability for District 65, including cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunities
Develop a recommendation for a continuum of programming and services throughout the district to best support student needs
Consider input from diverse group of stakeholders through robust community engagement

Next steps:

April 2025: Stakeholder engagement (in-person meetings and online survey)
April-June 2025: Analyze feedback, work done by the SDRP committees
June 2025: Finalize/present criteria to stakeholders and board
July-August 2025: Development of school closure/consolidation scenarios
September-October 2025: Stakeholder input on scenarios
November 2025: Board decision on scenarios
December 2025: Public hearings (if closures are being considered)
2026-2027 school year: Approved scenario goes into effect

All current D65 staff and families automatically receive budget and finance updates. If you’re a community member who would also like to receive emails regarding the Structural Deficit Reduction Plan, please sign up here!

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Budget

The District 65 School Board is responsible for approving an annual budget by September 30 each year. In the spirit of transparency, a public hearing is held in advance to gather community thoughts and feedback. The budget:

includes a plan for district revenues (funds brought in) and expenditures (funds spent)
must be displayed at least 30 days prior to its adoption

View a brief overview of the D65 budget here:

Budget Quick Facts

$26,626
Average District spending per pupil

$190,507,000
Projected FY2025 Expenditures*
*Does not include any adjustments in compensation levels from negotiations with DEC

$177,387,000
Projected FY2025 Revenues

50.6%
Portion of annual budget spent on instruction*
*Does not include textbooks, supplies, learning materials, paraprofessionals, school administrators, or professional learning/training

6.3%
Portion of annual budget spent on central office administrators (directors, managers, payroll, HR, technology, etc.)

70.2%
Portion of annual budget spent on salaries and benefits

At least $13.2 million of reductions are needed by July 1, 2025, to improve District 65's financial health.

Sources: District 65's Illinois Report Card; September 16, 2024 Board presentation, pie chart below provided by Financial Services Department.

Pie Chart of FY2025 Budget

Financial Equity

District 65 has adopted a Racial and Educational Equity Statement, which commits to providing equitable outcomes for all students. Prioritizing an equity focus can mean spending more in certain areas to make sure all students have access to a safe, joyful, rigorous learning environment. For a snapshot of District 65's student demographics, please visit the Quick Facts webpage.

For more on the District 65 budget, please visit the Budget & Finance webpage.

Engagement Opportunities & Resources

The Structural Deficit Reduction Plan is discussed at School Board meetings as a standing agenda item. Visit the School Board's website to see the meeting schedule, sign up for meeting notices, and more. Members of the public are welcome and invited to sign up at the beginning of the meeting to address the Board on district-related topics.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

date/time	location	meeting	topics	links

PAST MEETINGS

Date	Location	Meeting	Topics	Links
5/7/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Finance, Facilities, and Student Programming Committee Meetings	Finance: Discussion and identification of financial levers to address capital needs Facilities: Review of feedback from community engagement sessions, review of enrollment data, and continued discussion on criteria from a REIA lens Student Programming:	Meeting minutes: Finance Facilities Student Programming
5/5/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Committee of the Whole Meeting	Phase III Revisiting the "why" behind consideration for school consolidation/closures Update on April stakeholder engagement Review of subcommittees' meeting cadence, purpose, and progress so far Timeline overview Phase II Revisiting the "why" behind Phase II reductions Overview of the reductions for FY26 school year, which were approved in January 2025 Reductions of $8,158,080 in staffing (net reduction of 91 FTE) and $5,164,192 in non-personnel reductions for total of $13,322,272 Timeline overview	Meeting presentations: Phase III Update Phase II Staffing and Organizational Impact Meeting recording
4/29/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Superintendent's Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council	Discussion on potential school closure/consolidation category of "Excellence" — what are the criteria of excellence in District 65?
4/29/2025	Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center (formerly South End Community Center) 430 Asbury Ave., Evanston	Community Coffee Chat with Superintendent Dr. Angel Turner	No agenda — just open discussion! This session is meant to complement the April 10, 11, and 15 community meetings.
4/23/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Finance, Facilities, and Student Programming Committee Meetings	Finance: Discussion of purchased services; transportation; and potential financial consequences, assumptions, and vulnerabilities of cost reductions Facilities: Developed understanding of Racial Equity Impact Assessment, revisited Master Facility Plan, and evaluated possible Phase III data/criteria Student Programming: Deep dive on African Centered Curriculum magnet program, including its history, enrollment, data,	Meeting minutes: Finance Facilities Student Programming
4/22/2025	Curt's Café 2922 Central St., Evanston	Community Coffee Chat with Superintendent Dr. Angel Turner	No agenda — just open discussion! This session is meant to complement the April 10, 11, and 15 community meetings.
4/15/2025	Nichols Middle School 800 Greenleaf St., Evanston	Structural Deficit Reduction Plan Community Conversation	The "why" behind considering school consolidation/closures, including data related to: Ensuring long-term financial stability School buildings in need of significant repairs and improvements Declining student enrollment and underutilized schools Group brainstorming around potential criteria and creative solutions Outline of next steps No decisions have been made regarding any additional school closure/consolidations.	Meeting presentation: English / Spanish / video recording Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 4/15/25)
4/11/2025	Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center 1655 Foster St., Evanston	Structural Deficit Reduction Plan Community Conversation	The "why" behind considering school consolidation/closures, including data related to: Ensuring long-term financial stability School buildings in need of significant repairs and improvements Declining student enrollment and underutilized schools Group brainstorming around potential criteria and creative solutions Outline of next steps No decisions have been made regarding any additional school closure/consolidations.	Meeting presentation: English / Spanish / video recording Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 4/15/25)
4/10/2025	Chute Middle School 1400 Oakton St., Evanston	Structural Deficit Reduction Plan Community Conversation	The "why" behind considering school consolidation/closures, including data related to: Ensuring long-term financial stability School buildings in need of significant repairs and improvements Declining student enrollment and underutilized schools Group brainstorming around potential criteria and creative solutions Outline of next steps No decisions have been made regarding any additional school closure/consolidations.	Meeting presentation: English / Spanish / video recording Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 4/15/25)
4/10/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Community Conversation for Staff	The "why" behind considering school consolidation/closures, including data related to: Ensuring long-term financial stability School buildings in need of significant repairs and improvements Declining student enrollment and underutilized schools Group brainstorming around potential criteria and creative solutions Outline of next steps No decisions have been made regarding any additional school closure/consolidations.	Meeting presentation: English / Spanish / video recording Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 4/15/25)
4/9/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Finance, Facilities, and Student Programming Committee Meetings	Finance: "School Finance 101," including revenue sources, expenditure categories, and the evidence-based funding formula Facilities: Building shared understanding of the Master Facilities Plan, demography report Student Programming: Building shared understanding of the programs across D65, including ACC, TWI/Dual Language, early childhood, and magnet programming	Meeting minutes: Finance Facilities Student Programming
4/9/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Community Conversation for Staff	The "why" behind considering school consolidation/closures, including data related to: Ensuring long-term financial stability School buildings in need of significant repairs and improvements Declining student enrollment and underutilized schools Group brainstorming around potential criteria and creative solutions Outline of next steps No decisions have been made regarding any additional school closure/consolidations.	Meeting presentation: English / Spanish / video recording Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 4/15/25)
4/7/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Committee of the Whole Meeting	Recap of process, which is now in Phase III. Goals of this phase include: Balance current budget to achieve financial sustainability Address aging facilities Evaluate effects of declining enrollment Alignment work on student programming Overview of oversight and engagement, which includes community meetings/surveys, committees, and other advisory groups Update on Phase III timeline through June 2026	Board presentation Meeting recording
3/18/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Superintendent's Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council	Seeking input toward establishing a framework for school closure and consolidation considerations Next steps for those abovementioned considerations
2/25/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Superintendent's Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council	Discussion regarding the Master Facilities Plan
2/10/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Committee of the Whole Meeting	Presentation of demography study results Approval of contract with Student-Centered Services, LLC for Phase 3 work	2024 McKibben Demography Report Demography memo Demography presentation Meeting recording Phase 3 SDRP Consultant Proposal
1/28/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Superintendent's Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council	Discussion regarding the 2024 McKibben Demography Report
End of Phase II / Beginning of Phase III
1/27/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Regular Board of Education Meeting	Vote on Structural Deficit Reduction Plan scenarios that were presented on Jan. 13	Meeting presentation Class section memo Opening of Schools Report Meeting recording
1/17/2025	South End Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave., Evanston Meeting took place in Gym	Community Listen & Learn - open to all members of the community	Overview of Structural Deficit Reduction Plan scenarios Guiding questions: What aspects of the future are you feeling optimistic about? Where do you still have concerns or uncertainties? With the need for ongoing budget reductions, how can we best mitigate the impact, especially on our most marginalized students, while still achieving necessary cost-saving goals?	Meeting presentation: English / Spanish Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 1/19/25)
1/16/2025	Nichols Middle 800 Greenleaf St., Evanston Meeting took place in Nichols Cafeteria	Community Listen & Learn - open to all members of the community	Overview of Structural Deficit Reduction Plan scenarios Guiding questions: What aspects of the future are you feeling optimistic about? Where do you still have concerns or uncertainties? With the need for ongoing budget reductions, how can we best mitigate the impact, especially on our most marginalized students, while still achieving necessary cost-saving goals?	Meeting presentation: English / Spanish Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 1/19/25)
1/16/2025	Virtual via Zoom	Staff Listen & Learn	Overview of Structural Deficit Reduction Plan scenarios Guiding questions: What aspects of the future are you feeling optimistic about and where do you still have concerns or uncertainties? Knowing that reductions are necessary, what kinds of supports—both in schools and from central office—are most essential for student learning and the smooth operation of schools? With the need for ongoing budget reductions, how can we best mitigate the impact, especially on our most marginalized students, while still achieving necessary cost-saving goals?	Meeting presentation Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 1/19/25)
1/16/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	School Leader Collaborative - principals and assistant principals	Overview of Structural Deficit Reduction Plan scenarios Guiding questions: What aspects of the future are you feeling optimistic about and where do you still have concerns or uncertainties? Knowing that reductions are necessary, what kinds of supports—both in schools and from central office—are most essential for student learning and the smooth operation of schools? With the need for ongoing budget reductions, how can we best mitigate the impact, especially on our most marginalized students, while still achieving necessary cost-saving goals?	Meeting presentation Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 1/19/25)
1/15/2025	Haven Middle 2417 Prairie Ave., Evanston Meeting took place in Haven Cafeteria	Community Listen & Learn - open to all members of the community	Overview of Structural Deficit Reduction Plan scenarios Guiding questions: What aspects of the future are you feeling optimistic about? Where do you still have concerns or uncertainties? With the need for ongoing budget reductions, how can we best mitigate the impact, especially on our most marginalized students, while still achieving necessary cost-saving goals?	Meeting presentation: English / Spanish Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 1/19/25)
1/15/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Staff Listen & Learn	Overview of Structural Deficit Reduction Plan scenarios Guiding questions: What aspects of the future are you feeling optimistic about and where do you still have concerns or uncertainties? Knowing that reductions are necessary, what kinds of supports—both in schools and from central office—are most essential for student learning and the smooth operation of schools? With the need for ongoing budget reductions, how can we best mitigate the impact, especially on our most marginalized students, while still achieving necessary cost-saving goals?	Meeting presentation Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 1/19/25)
1/15/2025	Fleetwood-Jourdain Center 1655 Foster St., Evanston	Foster Senior Club meeting	Overview of Structural Deficit Reduction Plan scenarios Guiding questions: What aspects of the future are you feeling optimistic about? Where do you still have concerns or uncertainties? With the need for ongoing budget reductions, how can we best mitigate the impact, especially on our most marginalized students, while still achieving necessary cost-saving goals?	Meeting presentation: English / Spanish Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 1/19/25)
1/13/2025	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Committee of the Whole Meeting	Structural Deficit Reduction Plan update, including planned cuts and options for balancing the budget	Board presentation: English / Spanish Meeting recording
12/18/2024	Virtual via Zoom	Meeting with local and District leaders of Individualized Education Services	As difficult decisions lie ahead to balance the budget, what are the top three priorities that you believe must be protected? What programs or services do you consider most essential to maintain the quality of our students' education? Please share any additional information that should be considered as we prioritize budget reductions.	Meeting summary will be posted soon Meeting presentation: English / Spanish Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 12/16/24)
12/17/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Superintendent's Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council	Focus on school staffing models with the stated objective being to consider the impact and effectiveness of non-direct student instruction Discussion on two questions: Which non-direct student instruction roles do you believe are most valuable to the school and why? What additional information do you believe is important for the district to consider with staffing reductions that should be taken into consideration to prioritize budget reductions?
12/16/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Regular Board of Education Meeting	Discussion of considerations for summer learning in summer 2025 (decreasing District-funded programs, reducing budgeted amount, reducing number of buildings, among others) Discussion of Academic Skills Center (ASC) Tutoring and considerations for the 2025-2026 school year: results of program results, audit, and funding	Board presentation Meeting recording
12/16/2024	Virtual via Zoom	Superintendent Student Advisory Committee	What are some programs, activities, and clubs you have enjoyed and have helped you and your peers become better students? What would you consider some needs or “must-haves” to be a successful student? What are some things that you believe we can put on hold or wait on right now until we do have a balanced budget? What is a necessity instead of just being nice to have? What are some other ways we can save money in District 65?
12/16/2024 9:30 a.m.	Fleetwood-Jourdain Center 1655 Foster St., Evanston	Community Listen & Learn - open to all members of the community	As difficult decisions lie ahead to balance the budget, what are the top three priorities that you believe must be protected? What programs or services do you consider most essential to maintain the quality of our students' education? Please share any additional information that should be considered as we prioritize budget reductions.	Meeting summary Meeting presentation: English / Spanish
12/12/2024 6:30-7:45 p.m.	Nichols Middle 800 Greenleaf St., Evanston Meeting took place in Nichols Cafeteria	Community Listen & Learn - open to all members of the community	As difficult decisions lie ahead to balance the budget, what are the top three priorities that you believe must be protected? What programs or services do you consider most essential to maintain the quality of our students' education? Please share any additional information that should be considered as we prioritize budget reductions.	Meeting summary Meeting presentation: English / Spanish Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 12/16/24)
12/12/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	School Leader Collaborative - principals and assistant principals	As difficult decisions lie ahead to balance the budget, what are the top three priorities that you believe must be protected? When thinking about your experience in District 65, what programs, services, or shared values make you most proud? Please share any additional information that should be considered as we prioritize budget reductions.	Meeting summary Meeting presentation Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 12/16/24)
12/11/2024	Washington Elementary 914 Ashland Ave., Evanston	Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting	As difficult decisions lie ahead to balance the budget, what are the top three priorities that you believe must be protected? What programs or services do you consider most essential to maintain the quality of our students' education? Please share any additional information that should be considered as we prioritize budget reductions.	Meeting summary Meeting presentation: English / Spanish
12/11/2024	Virtual via Zoom	Staff Listen & Learn	As difficult decisions lie ahead to balance the budget, what are the top three priorities that you believe must be protected? When thinking about your experience in District 65, what programs, services, or shared values make you most proud? Please share any additional information that should be considered as we prioritize budget reductions.	Meeting summary Meeting presentation Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 12/16/24)
12/11/2024	Virtual via Zoom	Meeting with union leadership	As difficult decisions lie ahead to balance the budget, what are the top three priorities that you believe must be protected? What programs or services do you consider most essential to maintain the quality of our students' education? Please share any additional information that should be considered as we prioritize budget reductions.	Meeting summary Meeting presentation: English / Spanish
12/10/2024	Virtual via Zoom	PTA Council meeting	As difficult decisions lie ahead to balance the budget, what are the top three priorities that you believe must be protected? What programs or services do you consider most essential to maintain the quality of our students' education? Please share any additional information that should be considered as we prioritize budget reductions.	Meeting summary Meeting presentation: English / Spanish
12/10/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Staff Listen & Learn	As difficult decisions lie ahead to balance the budget, what are the top three priorities that you believe must be protected? When thinking about your experience in District 65, what programs, services, or shared values make you most proud? Please share any additional information that should be considered as we prioritize budget reductions.	Meeting summary Meeting presentation Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 12/16/24)
12/9/2024	Chute Middle 1400 Oakton St., Evanston Meeting took place in Chute Cafeteria	Community Listen & Learn - open to all members of the community	As difficult decisions lie ahead to balance the budget, what are the top three priorities that you believe must be protected? What programs or services do you consider most essential to maintain the quality of our students' education? Please share any additional information that should be considered as we prioritize budget reductions.	Meeting summary Meeting presentation: English / Spanish Opportunity to share thoughts virtually (Note: Survey closed 11:59 p.m. 12/16/24)
12/9/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Committee of the Whole Meeting	Evolution/phases of Structural Deficit Reduction Plan Review of the need for a reduction plan, both historical and related to the FY25 budget Focus on reductions that minimize impact to our students — introduction of reduction assessments (impact on staffing, racial equity, and students) Overview of communications plan and stakeholder engagement Timeline given for next steps	Board presentation Meeting recording
11/20/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Superintendent's Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council	Framework for Structural Deficit Reduction Plan Discussion on three questions: As difficult decisions lie ahead to balance the budget, what are the top three priorities that you believe must be protected? What programs or services do you consider most essential to maintain the quality of our students' education? Please share any additional information that should be considered as we prioritize budget reductions.	Meeting summary
11/4/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Committee of the Whole Meeting	Presentation by one more potential consultant Follow-up questions for consultants who presented at 10/28 meeting Decision made to move forward with Student-Centered Services as consultant	View BoardBook to see consultant presentations Meeting recording
10/28/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Regular Board of Education Meeting	Presentations by consultants who responded to the Request for Proposal regarding the Structural Deficit Reduction Plan	View BoardBook to see consultant presentations Meeting recording
9/16/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Regular Board of Education Meeting	Public hearing regarding FY2025 budget District 65 School Board approved FY2025 budget	Board presentation Meeting recording See budgets by year
9/3/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Committee of the Whole Meeting	Considerations for further reduction planning: Reduce staffing levels Recommended scope and timeline to better match district footprint to student enrollment Plan to identify resources to address major capital needs Plan to deliver high quality individualized education services in a more cost-effective manner Plan to deliver transportation services in a more cost-effective manner as supported by data Implementation of financial best practices, with objectives being: Aligning systems to best practices within the industry Creating efficiencies throughout all operational areas Best ensuring fidelity and timeliness of financial information used by the Board to make major financial decisions Improving systems of checks and balances to increase accountability	Board presentation - reduction planning Board presentation - best practices Meeting recording
8/5/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Committee of the Whole Meeting	Comparison of FY2024 fiscal results to what was budgeted FY2025 budget update, including variables impacting revenues and expenses and upcoming reductions	Board presentation Meeting recording
End of Phase I / Beginning of Phase II
4/15/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Personnel, Building & Grounds, and Finance Committee Meeting	Personnel-related reduction decisions have been made for the 2024-2025 school year; impacted staff members were notiﬁed. Non-personnel reductions include grant and transportation efficiencies, pause on CREATE 65 Residency Program Outline of next steps	Board presentation Meeting recording
3/11/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Personnel, Building & Grounds, and Finance Committee Meeting	Reductions made in three categories: staffing levels that better match student enrollment, reimagining of non-teaching roles, and slowing the growth of expenditures Will meet budget reduction targets of $5 million - $6 million for 2024-2025 school year Outline of 2024-2025 reduction plan and next steps	Board memo Meeting recording
2/12/2024	Joseph E. Hill Education Center 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston	Personnel, Building & Grounds, and Finance Committee Meeting	Historical financial summary beginning FY2014 Identification of the primary causes of fiscal decline: inflation's impact on revenue, transportation costs, and staffing size Financial projects for FY2024-FY2029 Recommendation: Immediately consider reductions to budget	Board memo Board presentation Meeting recording

Communications Archive

The communications below are not intended to be a comprehensive list. For more than a year, District 65's financial outlook has been at the forefront of communication efforts, ranging from formal, community-wide letters to grassroots, everyday conversations.

Date	Communication	Key Points
4/21/2025	Reminder: Join D65 at an upcoming Community Coffee Chat (English / Spanish)	Reminder: Superintendent Dr. Angel Turner and members of her team are hosting two upcoming sessions (April 22 and 29) to complement the community meetings already held this month regarding school closure/consolidation criteria. If you were unable to attend an in-person session in April, review the presentations in English, Spanish, or as a recording. Meeting summaries from each April session will be available on the "Engagement Opportunities & Resources" section soon.
4/11/2025	Share Your Voice: Community Conversations Survey Still Open (English / Spanish)	Reminder: The third Community Conversation is on April 15 at Nichols Middle School Superintendent Dr. Angel Turner will host informal coffee chats on April 22 and April 29 to complement the community meetings already being held (see District 65 calendar) Can't attend? Respond electronically by Tuesday, April 15, at 11:59 p.m.
4/2/2025	District 65 Upcoming Community Conversations and Survey (English / Spanish)	Reminder: Community Conversations are scheduled for April 10, 11, and 15 Discussing the potential of additional school closures or consolidations will surely be difficult; at the same time it represents an opportunity to reimagine and reinvest for the future of public education in Evanston/Skokie. Can't attend? Respond electronically by Tuesday, April 15, at 11:59 p.m.
3/21/2025	Save the Date: Structural Deficit Reduction Plan Community Conversations (English / Spanish)	We are in the early stages of discussing school closure/consolidation, including developing potential criteria Invitation to attend community forums to share input on April 10, 11, and 15 (see District 65 calendar) A link will be provided after spring break with the option to respond electronically if unable to attend
3/10/2025	Help Shape the Future of D65 - Join an SDRP Committee! (English / Spanish)	As we embark on the next phase of this journey, we invite you to be an integral part of the planning process by applying to serve on one of our three administrative committees. Your voice, experience, and engagement are essential as we navigate this next phase. Applications for the Finance, Facilities, and Student Programming committees are open March 10-24, 2025. Application link
1/30/2025	Approval of Structural Deficit Reduction Plan (English / Spanish)	Approved Phase II Structural Deficit Reduction Plan totals approximately $13.3 million High-level components of the approved Structural Deficit Reduction Plan We heard stakeholder feedback: There will be no reduction to preschool transportation services
1/15/2025	Key Takeaways: Structural Deficit Reduction Scenarios (English / Spanish)	Our school board and administration believe strongly in preserving what our staff and community deem most important. As such, these scenarios are rooted entirely in community voice. Programs or services that are being preserved Areas where reductions are being considered Reminder of upcoming community forums with option to respond electronically by Sunday, January 19 at 11:59 p.m. if unable to attend
1/10/2025	Important Update: Structural Deficit Scenarios (PDF of English and Spanish)	Gratitude for the hundreds of staff and community members who came out in December to share their perspectives and give valuable input Reminder of January 13 Committee of the Whole meeting, which will include a discussion of budget reduction scenarios Invitation to attend community forums to hear about scenarios and share input on January 15, 16, and 17 (see District 65 calendar)
12/3/2024	Listen & Learn: Structural Deficit Reduction Plan (PDF of English and Spanish)	We cannot make reductions of this magnitude, nor would we ever want to, without the input of our staff, parents and caregivers, students, and community members. Listen & Learn Dates, Questions, and Additional Details Option to respond electronically if unable to attend
9/18/2024	Executive Summary: FY25 Budget & Next Steps (English / Spanish)	District 65 is facing a budget deficit of approximately $13.2 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 A description of factors the contributed to this financial reality, including staffing levels and decreases in revenue sources Outline of the five components to be examined closely during the Structural Deficit Reduction Plan process (see above)
8/8/2024	No Time to Lose: A note from Superintendent Dr. Angel Turner (English / Spanish)	We will not sacrifice quality or opportunity for our students, even in the face of significant budget challenges. District 65 is deeply invested in developing a budget that is student centered and ensures we are living within our means. We will do everything possible to ensure our schools will be joyful places of learning.
7/29/2024	FY24 Budget Update: Executive Summary and Next Steps (English / Spanish)	Summary of FY24 unaudited financial results, which showed District ended FY24 with a deficit of approximately $10 million . The variance almost exclusively occurred within the transportation and special education budgets. This exceeded the budgeted deficit adopted in September 2023 by approximately $8 million Explanation of spring 2023's $6.5 million in reductions, including the creation of operational efficiencies and reduction of staff by approximately 40 positions, with disproportionate impact on central office.
2/15/2024	D65 Financial Projections & Next Steps (Read on D65 website)	Summary of financial projections for the next five years The need to make $5 million-6 million of permanent reductions for next school year Discussion on the need to “right size” the district footprint to better utilize our school buildings, and potentially consolidate where needed.

Data Hub

For additional resources and meeting recordings, please refer to the "Links" column within the "Engagement Opportunities & Resources" tab.

Facilities

2024 McKibben Demography Report: The 2024 report provides 10-year enrollment forecasts for the attendance boundaries set to go into effect with the opening of Foster School. Forecasts are not included for magnet or speciality programs. Students are forecasted based on their feeder pattern school.
- Board memo
- Board presentation
Capacity and Utilization Calculations (with Foster School revised boundaries): Board Approved Attendance Boundaries for 2026-27 school year with Foster open - uses enrollment forecasts from the McKibben demography report.
- This table shares the school buildings' capacity (core room square footage/divided by optimal student sq. footage factors (industry standard of 34 sq/ft per student) with project utilization rates = Goal Capacity - (enrollment/capacity*100).
Capacity and Utilization Calculations (current boundaries): Current school attendance boundaries with enrollment from 10/1/25.
- This table shares the school buildings' capacity (core room square footage/divided by optimal student sq. footage factors (industry standard of 34 sq/ft per student) with projected utilization rates which is calculated by taking Goal Capacity - (enrollment/capacity*100).
Square footage per building and student: Square footage will be reflected in different ways - read the headers carefully. Some tables share the building's full square footage while other tables share square footage for instructional spaces.
2021 Kofron Demography Report: The Kofron demography report was completed in the fall of 2021 and reflects enrollment forecasts with demographic group breakdowns for the current District 65 attendance boundaries.
- View other related documents
School feeder pattern: This image shares the K-5 to middle school feeder pattern by showing the schools that send students to each middle school.

Attendance boundaries: In spring 2022, our School Board approved new attendance boundaries as part of our Student Assignment Plan. New attendance boundaries will go into effect as early as the 2026-2027 school year pending no additional boundary changes or closures.
- Current — for 2025-2026 school year
- Future — will go into effect 2026-2027 school year

Finances

Financial Projections (April 2025)
D65 Budget: The District 65 School Board is responsible for approving an annual budget by September 30 each year. This is the budget approved for July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026.
Annual compensation reports

Student Programming

2024-2025 Opening of Schools Report: This was presented to the board at its January 27, 2025 regular board meeting.
- View previous years' reports
Class section memo: This was presented to the board at its January 27, 2025 regular board meeting.

Give Feedback

FAQ

Committees

As we embark on the next phase of this journey, we invite solutions-oriented staff, parents/caregivers, and community members to be an integral part of the planning process by applying to serve on one of the following administrative committees. Difficult decisions lie ahead, but they also present an opportunity to reimagine a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving District 65 for current and future generations of learners. Your voice, experience, and engagement are essential as we navigate this next phase.

Committees will remain under the purview of the administration with regular, public reports to the school board and community. Additionally, there will be various opportunities for the broader community to get involved, share their perspective, and collaborate on potential scenarios.

Committees will not have decision making authority. Using the recommendations provided within various committees, the administration will present options to the School Board for final decision.

Questions about or feedback for the committees? Please contact Melissa Messinger, messingerm@district65.net.

Application Details

Application Period

March 10 - 24, 2025

Who Should Apply?

Parents/caregivers, educators, support staff, administrators, community leaders, and anyone passionate about shaping the future of our schools
Individuals with experience or expertise related to finance, facility planning/management, and educational programming
Each committee will consist of approximately 10-15 members to ensure meetings remain productive and action-oriented.

Commitment & Meetings

Beginning April 9, 2025, each committee will meet in person twice per month on the second and fourth Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. (see District 65 Calendar for dates). Independent work will be required to review various data sources, including stakeholder input.

Childcare and Spanish interpretation will be available to all selected committee members.

How to Apply

The online application was available as a Google Form from March 10-24, 2025. The selection process prioritized diverse perspectives and expertise to ensure well-rounded discussions and equitable solutions.

Finance

Purpose: The Finance Committee plays a vital role in supporting the Facilities and Student Programming committees by quantifying the financial impact of initiatives while focusing on reducing expenditures to restore and maintain the district's financial stability.

Led by: Tamara Mitchell, District 65 Chief Financial Officer, with support from Dr. Susan Harkin (Student-Centered Services consultant)

Responsibilities

Financial Impact Assessment: The committee conducts thorough evaluations of the financial implications of the Student Programming and Facilities committees. This involves detailed analyses aimed at not just understanding costs but specifically identifying areas where expenditures can be minimized.
Integration of Committee Work: The Finance Committee collaborates with other committees to ensure their initiatives align with financial constraints. By integrating findings and recommendations from various areas, the committee aims to devise a comprehensive approach to expenditure reduction that supports overall financial recovery.
Scenario Planning for Sustainability: The group develops financial scenarios that prioritize reducing expenditures. By simulating different financial pathways, the Finance Committee helps the Facilities and Student Programming Committee make informed decisions that support a sustainable financial future for the district.
Exploration of Revenue Options: While identifying potential revenue-generating measures, the Finance Committee additionally assesses their cost implications. This includes evaluating how new funding streams can support efforts to lower overall expenses, thereby aiding in the restoration of financial health within the district.
Reporting and Recommendations: The subcommittee is responsible for presenting clear, actionable recommendations focused on expenditure reduction to the Facilities and Student Programming committees. This ensures that all strategic decisions are informed by a commitment to return the district to financial stability.
Seek Input: Hear from a diverse group of stakeholders with the goal of ensuring broad representation and guiding committee work.

Through these efforts, the Finance Committee is essential in restoring the district to stable financial condition. It ensures that any initiatives or projects enhance efficiency and support long-term sustainability.

Milestones

Meeting Cadence

Committee Structure & Members

Ideal candidates will include individuals with school finance experience, public finance professionals (e.g., CPAs, CFOs), caregivers with expertise in fundraising, financial planning, or grant writing, and public policy or legal experts with referendum experience.

It's critical that the committee includes, engages, and honors a diverse and representative set of voices to best serve District 65's current and future learners. The names will be listed below once they are determined.

name	role
Crystal Barriga	Parent/Caregiver
John Brady	Parent/Caregiver
Shane Cary	Parent/Caregiver
Shawn Connolly	Staff
Charles Dan	Parent/Caregiver
Kelly Farley	Parent/Caregiver
Svetlana Gayares	Parent/Caregiver
Dr. Susan Harkin	Student-Centered Services consultant
Erik Hehrmann	Parent/Caregiver
Kevin Jackson	Parent/Caregiver
Brad Jones	Parent/Caregiver
Teresa Klier	Community Member
Kevin Miller	Community Member
Tamara Mitchell Committee leader	Staff
Sonja Moulton	Staff
Jason Orloff	Parent/Caregiver
Johanna Peterson	Parent/Caregiver
Mary Ramatowski	Parent/Caregiver
Thomas Weber	Community Member

Facilities

Purpose: The Facilities Committee is charged with using data about enrollment, facilities, and finance/budget to support the development of a long term facility plan in District 65 including enrolled schools and plans for preventive maintenance and renovations informed by the District sustainability plan, school code, and school board policy.

The group will develop an understanding of and analyze data from the demography report, master facilities plan, school capacity vs. utilization, educational adequacy, and attendance boundaries. The committee will also consider asset disposition (e.g., sale of partial or whole parcels) and site renovation feasibility connected to any facility decisions.

Led by: Dr. Stacy Beardsley, District 65 Assistant Superintendent of Performance Management & Accountability, with support from Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau (Student-Centered Services consultant)

Responsibilities

Use the data from the master facilities plan and demography report as inputs to develop criteria for the school consolidation and/or closure.
Assess outcomes of asset disposition (e.g., sale of partial or whole parcels).
Assess feasibility and cost of site renovation.
Plan for potential school closures, repurposing, or expansions.
Ensure compliance with safety, accessibility, and zoning regulations.
Develop a long term capital plan/replacement cycle using the MFP and 10 year Health Life Safety (HLS) as inputs.
Seek input from a diverse group of stakeholders with the goal of ensuring broad representation and guiding committee work.

Milestones

Meeting Cadence

Committee Structure & Members

The committee will be structured with a blend of community partners, parents/caregivers, union representation, and administration. Specifically, we will be seeking community members who bring relevant knowledge and/or experience (either personally or professionally) to support our understanding of facilities, renovations, sustainability, redistricting, commercial real estate, and consolidation.

name	role
Dr. Trisha Baker	Staff
Dr. Stacy Beardsley Committee leader	Staff
Karena Bierman	Parent/Caregiver
Laura Buchanan	Community Member
Shaska Dice	Parent/Caregiver
Elliott Dudnik	Community Member
Kate Ellison	Parent/Caregiver
Christopher Fedak	Parent/Caregiver
Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau	Student-Centered Services consultant
Patrick Hoyt	Parent/Caregiver
Kenneth Itle	Parent/Caregiver
Brian Johnson	Parent/Caregiver
Eric Rosenberg	Parent/Caregiver
Bill Steinbach	Parent/Caregiver
Seth Weinert	Parent/Caregiver
Erin Wesiberg	Parent/Caregiver
Dan Whiteley	Parent/Caregiver
Bridget Wild	Parent/Caregiver

Student Programming

Purpose: To develop a comprehensive list of programs offered by our schools and develop a recommendation for a continuum of services throughout the district. This includes opportunities to best support student needs through a variety of program offerings, including early childhood, dual-language expansion, Individualized Education Services (IES), magnet schools and programming (eg, ACC and TWI). Additionally the group will consider program evaluation, grade center feasibility, and strategic program placement to best use our spaces and effectively support student needs.

Led by: Dr. Katie Speth, District 65 Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Leadership, with support from Dr. Susan Harkin (Student-Centered Services consultant)

Responsibilities

Develop a comprehensive list of existing programs by location.
Conduct a high level analysis of current programming with a specific focus on early childhood and dual-language expansion.
Study feasibility of grade centers.
Discuss and design strategic program placement within school sites with the goal of maximizing the best use of space.
Identify student services plans (individualized education, gifted, English Learners).
Align extracurricular offerings and student support programs.
Ensure equity in program access across all schools in the district.
Seek input from a diverse group of stakeholders with the goal of ensuring broad representation and guiding committee work.

Milestones

Meeting Cadence

Committee Structure & Members

The committee will include district staff, parents/caregivers, and community members from a diverse range of experiences, including Dual Language, Early Childhood, Individualized Education Services (IES), middle school schedule redesign, magnet schools and programs (African Centered Curriculum and Two-Way Immersion (TWI), and Foster School.

name	role
Dr. Trisha Baker	Staff
Liz Berliant	Parent/Caregiver
Erin Booker	Community Member
John Brownlee	Staff and Parent/Caregiver
Natalie Copper	Staff
Melissa Denton	Parent/Caregiver
Clare Donnovan Scane	Parent/Caregiver
Dr. Susan Harkin	Student-Centered Services consultant
Jessica Isaac	Parent/Caregiver
Jessica Lang	Parent/Caregiver
Max Levasseur	Parent/Caregiver
Michelle Meekins Cooney	Community Member
Carla Orduno	Parent/Caregiver
Matthew Roberts	Parent/Caregiver
Melissa Rosenzweig	Parent/Caregiver
Terri Shepard	Community Member
Dr. Katie Speth Committee leader	Staff
Jaimie Wallace Butcher	Parent/Caregiver
Cara Wellvang	Parent/Caregiver
Henry Wilkins	Parent/Caregiver