Update 6:50 p.m.: Evanston/Skokie School District 65 announced late today that all its schools will be closed on Wednesday because of the extremely cold weather.
The announcement posted on the district website this evening said, “This decision has been made with the safety of our students and staff in mind. All twelve-month employees including custodial and maintenance staff should report to work.”
It added that at this time the plan is to have schools in session on Thursday, but added that officials would continue to monitor weather conditions.
That decision reversed an announcement earlier Tuesday that District 65 schools open on Wednesday.
Update 9:40 p.m.: Evanston Township High School has also cancelled classes for Wednesday. All scheduled before and after-school activities, events, and meetings for Wednesday evening are also canceled.
No decision has been made yet about whether ETHS will remain closed Thursday.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning for northeastern Illinois and advised residents to expect wind chill values of 30 to 35 degrees below zero overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday morning and to expect values of 30 to 40 degrees below zero Wednesday night.
Update 6:58 p.m.: City of Evanston offices will be open as usual on Wednesday and recreation centers will hold their regularly scheduled classes and programs.
But with the school closings, the city will add open gym sessions at three centers:
- Robert Crown Center, 1701 Main St., 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, 1655 Foster St., 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Chandler-Newberger Center, 1028 Central St., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.