# Evanston-Skokie parents fear school closures

> Evanston-Skokie district plans $20M cuts and school closures as parents feel exhausted after last year's fight
- Title: Evanston-Skokie parents fear school closures | Shortify
- Summary: Evanston-Skokie district plans $20M cuts and school closures as parents feel exhausted after last year's fight Parents feel resigned after years of financial…
- Keywords: evanston, skokie, school district 65, budget cuts, school closures, enrollment decline, parents, structural deficit, district 65, kingsley elementary, lincolnwood elementary, news
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2026/09/18/evanston-skokie-parents-fear-impact-hope-for-stability-as-district-looks-to-cut-20-million-close-2-schools
- Published: 2026-09-19T00:16:55.281+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: evanston, skokie, school district 65, budget cuts, school closures, enrollment decline, parents, structural deficit, district 65, kingsley elementary, lincolnwood elementary, news
## Financial crisis deepens
Evanston-Skokie School District 65 faces a structural deficit with expenses outpacing revenue for years.
## 20 million budget cut planned
District officials plan to cut $20 million from the budget to address the deficit.
## Two schools at risk
The district aims to close at least two of its 16 schools by 2028.
## Enrollment decline
Student enrollment has dropped 16% over five years, with the district serving 5,900 students.
## Last year's closures
Kingsley Elementary closed last year, and Lincolnwood Elementary was spared from closure.
## Parent fatigue
Parents feel worn out after last year's fight over school closures and budget cuts.
## Interim superintendent's plan
Interim superintendent Eric Witherspoon says incremental cuts won't fix the deficit and calls for breaking the cycle.
## Community trust issues
Parents report a lack of community trust in district officials' ability to address financial challenges.
## Equity concerns
Parents worry closures and cuts will disproportionately impact marginalized communities and specialized programs.
## Community response
Parents and community groups are organizing to keep families informed and support collective solutions.
## Upcoming meetings
District and community groups will hold meetings to explain changes and gather input by October.
## Long-term stability
Officials aim to end the annual crisis and create real stability for future planning.
## Parent perspective
Parents hope for community alignment and holistic solutions to improve the district.
## Key takeaway

Parents feel resigned after years of financial struggles and repeated school closures