The Evanston/Skokie District 65 School Board President, Sergio Hernandez, has stepped down from his position, marking a significant turning point for the district. This decision comes in the wake of a federal grand jury's indictment of former Superintendent Devon Horton, who served from June 18, 2020, to June 30, 2023. Hernandez's leadership coincided with Horton's tenure, and his departure signals a new chapter for the board. The board unanimously elected Pat Anderson as the new board president, who pledged to address the district's challenges and build upon its future. The district faces a $10 million to $15 million structural deficit and deliberations to close up to four schools, a complex situation that requires collaboration and community engagement. Anderson's call to 'turn the light back on in the lighthouse' resonates with the need for unity and support, especially for the new Foster School. However, the public's demand for more action has sparked debates, with some calling for Hernandez and board member Mya Wilkins to step down entirely. The board's transparency, as evidenced by the interviews and records provided for a two-year federal probe, highlights a commitment to accountability. As Horton awaits arraignment at the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago, the district navigates a critical juncture, with Anderson's leadership poised to shape its future.
