$14.5 Million Referendum To Fund Evanston/Skokie District 65 Information Sessions

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston District 65 has scheduled for Thursday the first of three information sessions about future budget options, including an operating referendum on the April 4 ballot that would raise $14.5 million annually through an increase in property taxes.

The District said it has managed to balance its budget while keeping cuts away from the classroom for the past 15 years. The two options now are to raise taxes through the referendum or cut $8.8 million over the next couple years, according to D65.

The district said it has been sharing details of its significant future financial challenges for years. It predicts its cumulative deficit will reach $112 million by 2025.

D65 invited citizens of Evanston and Skokie to learn more about the referendum, the current financial situation and the options to balance the budget at several upcoming information sessions.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center (1655 Foster Street)
Sponsored by the NAACP - Evanston North Shore Branch
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

St. Nicholas Church - Oldershaw Hall (806 Ridge Avenue)
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 11, 2017

McGaw YMCA (1000 Grove Street)
9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Spanish interpretation will be provided at all three sessions, D65 said.

More information including estimated tax impact of the referendum and a full listing of upcoming information sessions and resources are available via Evanston District 65.

Top photo: Patch file.