Evanston schools were in the news for a variety of reasons this year — and it wasn’t just about COVID. Here’s a countdown of the most-read stories on the education beat.
5. Six NU frats and sororities to become university dorms
July 27 — The houses of three Northwestern University fraternities and three sororities will be turned into dormitories for the 2021-22 academic year. Most of the groups had been on campus for well over a century.
4. Transgender students call for changes at ETHS
Nov. 20 — Two students present a survey-based open letter to the school board suggesting new ways of doing things at the school. Desire changes, they say, should be easy to implement.
3. School closings anger D65 parents
Nov. 22 — The last-minute decision by Evanston/Skokie District 65 to close schools Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week is not sitting well with many parents, particularly those forced to scramble for child care.
2. D65: School closings, staff cuts likely
Oct. 12 — Evanston/Skokie School District 65 has a financial and political dilemma, namely, how to downsize and upsize at the same time. Too much space, not enough students. But board members also want to build a new 5th Ward school.
1. Teacher sues, claims reverse discrimination in D65
A white teacher in Evanston/Skokie School District 65 is suing the district, claiming some of the district’s programs and curriculum components illegally discriminate based on race.