District 65 launches phase 3 of structural‑deficit plan; committees to recommend school‑closure criteria by June 23

Evanston/Skokie School District 65 administrators told the board on May 5 that Phase 3 of the district’s Structural Deficit Reduction Plan (SDRP) is underway, with finance, facilities and program subcommittees working through June to recommend criteria for possible school consolidations or closures. The administration said it expects to present recommended criteria to the board on June 23.

Why it matters: The district said it needs another $10–$15 million in reductions to reach financial sustainability. Phase 3 work will model scenarios, collect stakeholder feedback and could result in board action late this year. Any implementation of closures or consolidations would occur the following school year, administration staff said.

What the board heard Staff said the committees are made up of roughly 15 members each and that Northwestern University is supporting analysis. The district reported community engagement in April that included five sessions, about 260 in‑person participants and about 40 online survey responses. Melissa (staff member) said the engagement sought…