Evanston School Board reviews demographic shifts and honors program success

In a reflective moment during the recent Evanston Township High School District 202 board meeting, a long-serving board member shared insights into the evolving demographics of the student body since their tenure began in 2009. The member noted that while the percentage of white students has slightly decreased from 46.44% to 44.4%, the black student population has seen a significant decline from 35.3% to 23.9%. In contrast, the Latinx population has risen from 11.8% to 20.2%, alongside modest increases in Asian students and those identifying with two or more races.

The board member expressed pride in key decisions made over the years, particularly changes to the freshman year experience that have opened doors for students of all backgrounds to earn honors and advanced placement credits. This initiative has notably increased the representation of black and brown students in these advanced courses. Additionally, the board's commitment to supporting transgender students through policy changes regarding restroom and locker room access was highlighted as a significant achievement.

Despite these advancements, the board member urged caution against complacency, emphasizing the persistent opportunity gap between students of color and their white and Asian peers. They expressed disappointment over the reduced frequency of meetings for the joint District 65-202 committee, which had previously focused on literacy goals, and noted the absence of a Latinx board member, despite the growing Latinx community in Evanston.

As the meeting concluded, the board member reaffirmed the importance of maintaining trust and support from the community, a foundation that has been crucial to the district's reputation. The discussions underscored a commitment to continuous improvement and inclusivity, reflecting the board's dedication to addressing the needs of all students in an ever-changing educational landscape.