Evanston School District Releases Revised Boundary Plan
The updated proposal outlines new school zones and the scheduled closure of two elementary schools in Evanston.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Administration
Live Poll
Do you support the proposed changes to local school attendance boundaries in your area?
School District 65 has issued updated attendance zone proposals following public feedback. The plan includes the closure of Dewey and Lincolnwood Elementary schools by the end of the school year.
Why it matters
These changes are central to the district's strategy for addressing a major structural deficit. The board is working to balance budget cuts of $20 million with community priorities.
The district proposal includes closing Dewey and Lincolnwood Elementary schools to help reach $20 million in budget cuts. Washington Elementary will also be reconfigured to feature 24 general education classrooms.
The players
School District 65
This is the primary public school district serving the Evanston community.
Dewey Elementary
This local elementary school is slated for closure at the end of the current school year.
Lincolnwood Elementary
This elementary institution is among those identified for closure as part of the district's budget reduction plan.
King Arts
This facility is set to operate as a kindergarten through eighth grade magnet school with its own boundary.
Washington Elementary
This neighborhood school will undergo internal adjustments to house 24 general education classrooms.
The details
The boundary revisions include updated feeder patterns for Haven, Nichols, and Chute middle schools. Additionally, King Arts will transition to a kindergarten through eighth grade magnet school under a defined attendance boundary.
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: Deadline for public survey feedback.
End of 2026-27 school year: Scheduled closure of Dewey and Lincolnwood elementaries.
Culture Shift
The district's move reflects a broader trend of school districts consolidating resources to meet shifting demographic and fiscal realities. This plan follows a pattern set by the Illinois State Board of Education's school consolidation guidelines regarding operational efficiency.
Families in Evanston should review the updated boundary maps to understand how their children's school assignments may change for the upcoming years. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback through the district survey before the November 6 deadline.
The takeaway
Families impacted by the proposed closures should prioritize reviewing the new feeder patterns to plan their long-term childcare and transport logistics. Engaging with the survey ensures that household concerns regarding classroom capacity and school access are formally recorded by the board.
What happens next
The public survey regarding the boundary proposals will close on November 6, 2026, followed by ongoing board discussions regarding the structural deficit.
Further reading
For more information on local school operations, visit the Evanston Administration section.
Live Poll
Do you support the proposed changes to local school attendance boundaries in your area?
