Evanston/Skokie D65’s Bessie Rhodes avoids middle school grade closures

Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies will remain open for seventh and eighth grade students, the superintendent for Evanston/Skokie School District 65 wrote to parents on Friday morning. The announcement could signal and end to a saga of abrupt decisions, protests, community engagement meetings and public apologies. Superintendent Angel Turner said the district’s administration reversed its decision to close the two middle school grades after hearing feedback from seventh and eighth grade families. Parents say they are relieved to hear the district’s decision, but still have concerns as the entire school is to be closed by 2026.