School Advocates Pitch Alternatives

Above:  Katie Armistead and Liz Wolens of IINS address audience questions on May 14.

Neighbors who attended the May 14 meeting of CSNA at the Art Center on Central Street got a lot to think about. North Side parents Katie Armistead and Lize Wolens, co-chairs of Invest In Neighborhood Schools ("IINS"), gave an informative update on the state of Evanston schools in the wake of this year's turbulence and the closing of two schools, and threatened closing of additional facilities, as well as ongoing fiscal, enrollment, and performance issues.  The activists made a convincing case that school closure is not the fiscal answer to District 65 problems. It is likely that a referendum on additional funding will be coming down the pike at some point, although at this point the District would have a hard time selling that, and needs to first rebuild comunity trust. Concerned residents are encouraged to stay involved and attentive.

Ald. Tom Suffredin of Evanston's 6th Ward (NW Evanston) was able to make it to the meeting and gave some updates on developmetns on Central Street, ranging from the announced sale of Sarkis Café at the west end of the boulevard to the ongoing water main work and stadium construction that have gummed up the eastern end.