Parents and staff press board to save school‑age childcare; board approves summer learning and asks administration to redesign SACC

Evanston CCSD 65 heard more than a dozen public commenters Jan. 27 urging the school board not to cut the district’s school‑age childcare program and to preserve early childhood and summer supports for working families. After public comment and a lengthy board discussion, trustees approved the administration’s summer learning plan and directed staff to reimagine the summer school‑age childcare program, asking for a clearer plan and budget before finalizing the summer SACC operations.

The board unanimously approved the 2025 summer learning proposal (estimated cost $528,000). Separately, trustees approved a motion to proceed with a variation of “option 1” for summer school‑age childcare and asked administration to return quickly with a reimagined, sustainable model and clearer cost and staffing details.

Speakers representing District 65 educators and parents described SACC as essential for working families and for children with special needs who rely on the program’s continuity and specialized support. Dr. Tricia Baker, DEC union…