Evanston School District 65 Releases Boundary Proposals
Parents of students in the district should review new school assignments and closure plans for the upcoming year.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Administration
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Evanston School District 65 has released updated boundary proposals that include the closure of Dewey and Lincolnwood Elementary schools by the end of the school year. The revisions aim to address a $20 million structural deficit through consolidated attendance zones and middle school feeder pattern adjustments.
Why it matters
Families are facing major shifts in student enrollment patterns and school facility availability as the district attempts to resolve a significant budget gap. These changes impact school assignments for neighborhood students and alter the long-term logistics for local households.
The district is targeting $20 million in cuts, which includes closing Dewey and Lincolnwood Elementary schools. Changes also adjust classroom counts, including setting Washington Elementary to 24 general education rooms.
The players
School District 65
The public school district serving Evanston students that is currently managing a structural deficit.
Dewey Elementary
An Evanston elementary school currently slated for closure by the end of the 2026-27 school year.
Lincolnwood Elementary
An Evanston elementary school slated for closure as part of the district's $20 million budget reduction plan.
King Arts
A magnet school within the district that will now operate as a K-8 campus with a defined attendance boundary.
Washington Elementary
A district school with revised facility capacity set at 24 general education classrooms.
The details
District officials determined the new attendance boundaries by analyzing school building utilization rates and incorporating feedback from public sessions. The plan transitions King Arts into a K-8 magnet school with a specific attendance boundary while redefining feeder patterns for Haven, Nichols, and Chute middle schools. General education capacity is also being recalibrated at sites like Washington Elementary to accommodate the projected shift in student populations.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: Revised school boundary proposals were released.
October 26, 2026: Regular board meeting scheduled to discuss the structural deficit.
November 6, 2026: Public survey feedback deadline.
End of 2026-27 school year: Scheduled closure of Dewey and Lincolnwood elementary schools.
The Home Front
Evanston School District 65's boundary changes follow the broader post-pandemic school enrollment consolidation trend seen in districts nationwide. This move to shutter facilities to address budget shortfalls marks a significant shift in local school infrastructure planning.
Parents should review the new attendance maps to determine if their primary school assignment has shifted for the upcoming academic year. Feedback regarding these changes can be submitted via the district's public survey portal until November 6.
The takeaway
The district is prioritizing facilities consolidation to mitigate a structural deficit. Families should confirm their assigned school for next year by checking the official district boundary updates before the final board decisions are reached.
Further reading
For more information on local policy changes, visit Administration.
Live Poll
Do you support the proposed changes to local school attendance boundaries in your area?
