Dear District 65 Community -

I hope you are enjoying this slightly warmer weather and feel a sense of renewal and promise with spring around the corner. I would like to thank everyone within our community who engaged in Phase II of our Structural Deficit Reduction Plan (SDRP). 

When July rolls around, we will have taken decisive action to reduce our operating budget by $20 million over the past two years alone, putting our district on a path towards much needed financial and organizational stability. This included an intentional focus on preserving investments that most directly impact students and shape the overall educational experience. 

Despite the significant reductions already made, it will not be enough to balance our budget and put our school district on solid financial footing in the long term. To balance our budget, it will be necessary to make approximately $15 million in reductions prior to the 2026-2027 school year. Reimagining our district footprint has the potential to preserve critical investments in the form of student programming, services, and needed capital improvements across schools. Additionally, we will continue to seek out ways to generate revenue or bring more money into our district.

As we embark on the next phase of this journey, we invite you to be an integral part of the planning process by applying to serve on one of our three administrative committees. While difficult decisions lie ahead, they present an opportunity to reimagine a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving District 65 for current and future generations of learners. Your voice, experience, and engagement are essential as we navigate this next phase.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from parents/caregivers, educators, support staff, administrators, community leaders, and anyone passionate about shaping the future of our schools. Individuals with experience or expertise related to finance, facility planning/management, and educational programming are strongly encouraged to apply. Your insights will help guide key decisions that impact students, families, and the entire community.

Committee participation will be one of many ways to get involved in the SDRP Phase III process and to share your voice.

Commitment & Meetings

Beginning April 9, 2025, each committee will meet twice per month on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm in person. Independent work will be required to review various data sources, including stakeholder input.

Each committee will consist of approximately 10-15 members to ensure meetings remain productive and action-oriented. 

Childcare and Spanish interpretation will be available to all selected committee members.

To learn more about the purpose and structure of these committees, visit the SDRP page of our District 65 website (accessible right from the homepage at district65.net). 

By working together, we can create a district that serves the needs of ALL students while ensuring financial and operational sustainability. We encourage you to apply and help shape the future of District 65! Thank you for your interest and continued partnership!