Postponed: Student Assignment Engagement Sessions

Update: Scheduled Student Assignment Engagement Sessions

Dear District 65 Community -

We have made the decision to postpone this week’s event series to discuss programming as part of the second phase of our student assignment process (originally scheduled for May 17-20). We are very sorry for the inconvenience and also the late notice.

We recognize that this time of year is especially busy in our schools. We know how important these conversations are for our students and families and the future of our schools. We also know the significance of our upcoming leadership transition.

In hindsight, we realize the need to slow this process down a bit and ensure that we allow ample time for community voice and authentic dialogue to inform future decision-making.  Building in extra time will allow our Phase II Committee the time and opportunity to process community feedback in a meaningful way given these calendar and time constraints.

In addition to rethinking this portion of the process and rescheduling our community meetings, we are also postponing our Phase II programming discussion that was originally scheduled for the Curriculum and Policy Committee Meeting on June 5.

Please stay tuned for additional updates. Thank you for your understanding.

Best,

Dr. Devon Horton (he/him)
Superintendent

Dear District 65 Community,

We are continuing our efforts toward a comprehensive, equitable plan so that all students have access to a neighborhood school in proximity to their home, inclusive of programming and services that best meet their individual needs. This is the first time in almost 30 years that our district is holistically addressing student assignment.

Planning for our new school in Evanston’s Fifth Ward is underway and currently in Phase II. In addition, a committee of over 40 staff, parents/caregivers, and community members are meeting weekly to review and recommend how to equitably place academic programs in schools across the district to better serve the learning needs of all students.

The SAP Committee will give a status update to the School Board at its June 5th Curriculum & Policy Meeting. Before that, however, the team wants to share their process and recommendations with our community for feedback and transparency.

Meetings will be held virtually unless otherwise noted and are open to anyone who’s interested in learning more and engaging in the conversation. Spanish interpretation will be provided. During each session, we will answer frequently asked questions, collect your questions and thoughts, and answer questions live. We will also have a recorded session online for those who cannot attend, and a ThoughtExchange will be online to collect feedback.

Learn more and find the Zoom links here.

These meetings are scheduled for:

Wednesday, May 17
Topic: King Arts from 4:30-5:30pm

Topic: Two-Way Immersion (TWI) program at Willard Elementary from 6-7:30pm, in person at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center (1655 Foster Street, Evanston)

Thursday, May 18
Topic: Two-Way Immersion Dual Language Program from 5-6pm

Topics: Bessie Rhodes transition and Fifth Ward School programming from 6:30-8pm

Saturday, May 20
Topic: African-Centered Curriculum (ACC) from 9-10am

Topics: Rice Children’s Center, RISE, Park School, STEP, and preschool from 10:30am-12pm

Please note: No decisions regarding programming have been made. The earliest our new Student Assignment Plan will go into effect is the 2025-2026 school year.

Thank you,

Sarita Smith (she/her)
Director of Student Assignments