Statement on District 65’s vote to approve Fifth Ward School

Foundation 65 is thrilled to see the District 65 School Board move forward with reestablishing a school in Evanston’s Fifth Ward.

Since the closing of Foster School in 1967, the historically Black Fifth Ward has suffered unjust and unnecessary harm by busing students to other schools outside of their neighborhood, creating obstacles in access to a quality education. With this vote, the fruits of many Fifth Ward residents’ hard labor are beginning to come to pass, and years of wrong may begin to be reversed. 

Since its founding in 2006, Foundation 65 has invested over $3 million to empower educators to create programs and interventions related to literacy and the arts. We believe that investing in an equitable and just education will create a community where all of our children can thrive.

Gratitude to STEM School Evanston, and the many, many advocates who have played a significant role in influencing the community to garner support for this historic vote. We look forward to partnering with District 65 and the community in the coming months to ensure the Fifth Ward school lives up to its full potential.