District 65 and Our Community,
I am deeply troubled by the financial situation facing District 65 and the possibility of closing neighborhood schools. The uncertainty is destabilizing for families directly affected and deeply troubling for the rest of our community.
My own children attended Central School when District 65 closed it around 1980. I know firsthand that closing a neighborhood school is more than a financial decision. It affects children, families and the surrounding community.
We have financial concerns facing the City of Evanston as well. Residents have every right to expect accurate financial information, responsible management and accountability from all of our public institutions.
District 65 has its own elected board and administration, but its decisions affect our entire community. While not every current board member was responsible for the decisions that brought the district to this point, the responsibility for restoring financial stability and public confidence now rests with the board and administration.
If elected mayor, I will propose a joint public meeting of the Evanston City Council and the District 65 School Board, with District 202 invited to participate. We already have a City School Liaison Committee, whose responsibilities include financial coordination. We need to ask whether it has fulfilled its intended purpose and how we can improve communication, anticipate problems and work together more effectively.
Our community cannot flourish under the existing conditions. It is up to District 65 to bring the current chaos under control. It is up to the City of Evanston to support affected families and work cooperatively with the district, while respecting its independence, toward greater stability.
Evanston residents and businesses depend on strong schools and a well-run city government. I am committed to making that happen.
Ann Rainey
