Monday's District 65 board meeting was the second consecutive week of community testimony — this time, over 60 people spoke in defense of middle school librarians. DEC President Kelly Post made clear: our students did not create this budget crisis and should not absorb its consequences. But unlike the counselor decision two weeks ago, this one is administrative — not a board vote — which means the board cannot reverse it. The savings: $387,631. The library programs end. The board committed to continuing the conversation. On the budget: the board reached consensus on how to close the remaining $635,000 gap — retracting two hazardous bus routes ($160K), reducing crossing guard spending ($100K), implementing a sliding scale for general education busing (~$100K, still uncertain), and reducing capital expenditure spending by $300K. That capex reduction triggers the January 9th resolution benchmarks, meaning Lincolnwood closure is back on the table if financial targets aren't met by October. Preschool transportation and FACE liaison positions remain unresolved. Superintendent Turner warned that classroom-level services can no longer be protected from cuts. The next major decision point is October.
DEC Signal is produced by the District 65 Educators' Council in partnership with The Signal Lab.
What is DEC Signal?
DEC Signal is the weekly podcast for District 65 educators. In under five minutes, get what you need to know—and what you need to thrive.
We cover what's happening in our district: staffing, budgets, school board decisions, and the issues affecting your classroom. But we also cover what helps you build a career: TRS pension and retirement planning, continuing education and endorsements, professional development opportunities, and how to advance in the profession.
DEC Signal is about more than news. It's about why your union matters—how DEC and IEA fight for your salary, your benefits, your working conditions, and your voice. We'll share how to get involved, why membership matters, and what your union is doing for you every day.
Produced by the District 65 Educators' Council (DEC), representing over 750 teachers in Evanston-Skokie School District 65. DEC is your union. This is your podcast.
New episodes every Monday morning.
Part of Signal Network, a product of The Signal Lab.