What does IINS stand for? 

We believe the District 65 Board can develop the highest-performing pre-K-8 public school district in Illinois, built on trust and measured by academic achievement, equity, instructional excellence and robust community and family engagement. We are equally committed to ensuring that progress toward these goals preserves and strengthens support for Title I schools, and aligns fully with the Board’s stated priorities for stability, transparency, and continuous improvement. 

The path to achieve this goal does not start with the closure of two neighborhood schools - a solution we view as a last resort with an outsized impact on teachers and students. We have projected a nearly balanced budget for FY 2026 and do not need to consider this last resort.

We propose that the Board consider: 

1. The closure of one school in the Haven feeder pattern for the 2026-2027 school year;

2. The implementation of specific alternatives to school closures that meet budgetary needs without impact to programs and services, and ensure no further school closures are necessary;

3. Prioritizing the successful opening of the Foster School with broad community-wide support; and

4. A 12-18 month period dedicated to developing a robust, community-informed vision for District 65’s future excellence. This commitment will build the trust, confidence and community buy-in necessary to pass a March 2027 capital referendum, a funding increase that will be required regardless of any school closure scenario.