Evanston District 65 board adopts 2025 tax levy and authorizes short‑term warrants as $4.5M FY27 gap looms
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Summary
Board approved the 2025 tax levy, a supplemental levy and a resolution authorizing up to $65 million in tax anticipation warrants as administrators said FY27 will need roughly $4.5M in operating reductions to maintain 90 days cash on hand.
Evanston Community Consolidated School District 65 on Dec. 15 adopted its 2025 tax levy and approved emergency financing steps after administrators said the district faces a projected FY27 shortfall requiring about $4.5 million in operating reductions.
Administrators presented three financial projection models under the district—s Structural Deficit Reduction Plan (SDRP) Phase 3 that differ mainly in capital assumptions for Foster School. Tamara (finance lead) said the models assume 2% revenue growth and projected utility increases of 15%–20%, and warned that "without any further action, the structural deficit will remain" and that under the stated assumptions "a net reduction of $4,500,000 is projected to be needed in FY27 to maintain a balanced budget as well as 90 days cash on hand." (Tamara)
Board members asked whether the $4.5 million figure is a fixed minimum; Tamara said it is the target to meet both a balanced budget and 90 days cash given current assumptions. She also flagged uncertainty about a $250,000 concert‑ticket surcharge revenue share from Ryan Field and said the timing of that revenue may push receipts to FY28.
Facing slow Cook County disbursement of property‑tax receipts, the board voted to authorize the issuance of tax anticipation warrants, not to exceed $65 million, "in anticipation of the collection of taxes levied for the year 2025," to assure liquidity. The board also adopted a supplemental levy to pay debt service on outstanding limited bonds.
The meeting included several other fiscal actions. Members voted to: engage a law firm (Leinbarger, Goguen, Blair and Sampson) to pursue collection actions related to a repayment agreement with the district's former superintendent; approve District 65—s participation in the TEC Cooperative Student Data Privacy Alliance; authorize submission of the FY26 Round 1 school maintenance project grant application; and approve SY27 student fees. The board awarded a student transportation taxi services contract to BL Brokers/Bridal Lift after discussing fleet and staffing capacity for near‑term service continuity.
Board members repeatedly framed the votes as short‑term steps while they continue exploring structural options (including potential school closures) to restore sustainable reserves. One board member described the moment as requiring "some soul searching" about long‑term priorities. The board also remains deadlocked over filling a vacant seventh seat; administration told the public that, if the board cannot reach consensus, the regional superintendent has authority to appoint a member within the statutory window.
The board recorded roll‑call votes for each resolution. Implementation details for the warrants (interest costs and repayment timing) will be worked with the district's municipal adviser as conditions and county timelines become clearer.
The board adjourned at 9:22 p.m.; administrators said they will return with refined numbers and options as the SDRP process continues.
