The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 board started the process of cutting 73 positions — including 26 from the central office — at its meeting last month, unanimously approving the “honorable dismissal” of two top administrators: Chief of Academics and Schools Management Lydia Ryan Menzer and Director of Science Alissa Berg.
The resolution passed by the board adopting both dismissals said the board “has received reports and recommendations from members of the administration concerning the number of administrators needed to be employed for the next school term,” and that the board has decided “to consolidate some administrative duties.”
When asked by the RoundTable, the district did not elaborate on why these two particular roles were cut or how their work will be reshuffled to remaining positions.
“These reductions are part of a district-wide restructuring, moving from a ‘top-down’ approach to a school-based staffing model to best support our students,” Communications Manager Hannah Dillow said in a statement.
“Making reductions, especially those related to personnel, is incredibly difficult and this process is being handled with care. We wish all of our team members the very best in their next chapter and are grateful for the many contributions made in service of the District 65 community.”
Menzer and Berg did not respond to requests for comment from the RoundTable.
“As this process unfolds, we plan to share a more comprehensive update on our restructuring efforts and impact of Phase II with our community in May,” Dillow said.
District 65 starts cuts with removal of two administrative positions is from Evanston RoundTable, Evanston's most trusted source for unbiased, in-depth journalism.