Dewey Elementary Students Publish Paper on School Closures

The Tiger Times features student reactions to proposed cuts in Evanston/Skokie School District 65.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Primary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of stacked wooden school desks in an empty library, reflecting the student-led news efforts in Evanston. — Students at Dewey Elementary in Evanston have published a special edition of their newspaper to protest proposed closures within District 65. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should students have a formal role in local discussions regarding the closure of their schools?

Students at Dewey Elementary School have produced a special edition of their school newspaper, the Tiger Times, to address proposed closures within Evanston/Skokie School District 65. The edition includes opinion pieces, peer reactions, and letters to district administrators regarding the potential shuttering of Dewey and Lincolnwood Elementary Schools.

Why it matters

The special edition provides a platform for students to voice their perspectives on administrative plans that would impact their education and school community. The publication highlights the reaction to broader proposed cuts to staff and district programs.

Evanston/Skokie School District 65 typically releases the Tiger Times twice a year. The newspaper serves as a communication tool for students at Dewey Elementary, which currently houses a Two-Way Immersion program.

The players

Daniel Biss

Daniel Biss is the former Mayor of Evanston who visited with the students producing the newspaper.

Evanston/Skokie School District 65

This local administrative body oversees the public elementary and middle schools in the Evanston and Skokie area.

Dewey Elementary School

This is a local public school that offers a Two-Way Immersion program and is currently facing a proposal for closure.

Lincolnwood Elementary School

This institution is a local public elementary school that was named in the school district's proposal for potential closure.

The details

The student staff compiled the edition in their school library, incorporating a class photo and direct correspondence with district officials. The effort highlights student concerns regarding the future of their school programs.

Former Mayor Daniel Biss visited the Tiger Times staff on October 23, 2026.
Students worked on the special edition in the school library on October 24, 2026.
The special edition of the Tiger Times is scheduled for distribution on October 26, 2026.

Culture Shift

This effort follows the established public hearing patterns mandated by the Illinois School Code regarding school closures. The student-led newspaper creates a bottom-up engagement model that serves as a departure from traditional administrative-led communication strategies.

The proposed closures may change school enrollment patterns and daily routines for families throughout the district. Residents and parents can expect ongoing discussions as the district moves toward a final determination on its program and staffing cuts.

The takeaway

Students are using traditional journalism to participate in administrative conversations about their future. This initiative demonstrates how young learners can actively engage with the political and financial decisions that shape their local community.