District 65 Board approves $120K change order for Foster School painting contract

Community engagement took center stage at the Evanston CCSD 65 Committee of the Whole meeting on August 4, 2025, as board members discussed the importance of hosting community cafes to foster dialogue between residents and school officials. Doctor Turner highlighted the success of last year's cafes and emphasized the need for transparency and open communication as the district prepares for upcoming decisions. "People are gonna wanna talk about it," Turner noted, stressing the urgency of sharing information with the community.

The board also addressed concerns about the timeline for community discussions, with members expressing the need to avoid rushing decisions that could catch residents off guard. "We don't want to catch any group in the community by surprise," one member remarked, reinforcing the commitment to keeping the public informed.

In addition to community engagement, the meeting included a significant update on the Foster School construction project. A change order for $120,000 was approved to enhance the building's exterior maintenance, ensuring long-term upkeep. The board confirmed that this expenditure would not jeopardize the project's budget, with ample funds remaining in the contingency.

Another highlight was the acceptance of a generous donation of 577 air purifiers from the Joy Fund, aimed at improving indoor air quality across district buildings. Board members recognized the importance of this gift, particularly for marginalized communities, and confirmed that future budgets would accommodate the ongoing maintenance of the purifiers.

As the meeting concluded, the board reiterated its commitment to creating a bright future for District 65 learners, with plans for continued community engagement and infrastructure improvements on the horizon.