This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Last updated Feb. 19 at 5:36 p.m.
Evanston/Skokie School District 65’s Chief Financial Officer Tamara Mitchell is stepping down at the end of the 2025-26 school year, District 65 Communications Manager Hannah Dillow confirmed to The Daily Thursday.
Mitchell announced her resignation, effective July 1, in an email to staff earlier in the day.
“I am incredibly proud of the work accomplished during my time with District 65, particularly in advancing structural deficit reduction efforts, strengthening financial transparency, and supporting meaningful community-engaged planning during a period of significant challenge and change,” Mitchell wrote.
She wrote that she is confident these efforts have “established a solid foundation for continued forward momentum.”
Mitchell will step down as the district aims to reduce spending by $10 to $15 million through Phase 3 of its Structural Deficit Reduction Plan. The District 65 Board of Education began implementing its Phase 3 cost-cutting efforts in January, voting to close Kingsley Elementary School and Willard Elementary School’s Two-Way Immersion program.
Mitchell joined the district in July 2024 following the completion of Phase 1 of the plan, through which the district reduced spending by $6.5 million.
The district reduced spending by another $13.3 million under Mitchell’s leadership during Phase 2 of the SDRP.
In Phase 3 of the plan, Mitchell oversaw the finances subcommittee, composed of District 65 community members, during a multi-month process to determine additional cost-cutting measures, including school closures and consolidations.
Dillow wrote that Mitchell’s work put the district “on a path toward financial sustainability.”
“And while we are not there yet, we believe we are in a far stronger position today because of her vision, discipline, and dedication,” Dillow wrote. “We wish her well in her next chapter.”
The District 65 board did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Email: [email protected]
X: @anavi_52
Related Stories:
— D65 board swears in Van Nostrand, moves forward with transportation policy changes
— D65 board votes 5-1 to close Willard TWI program
— D65 voted to close Kingsley Elementary School. Here’s what parents want moving forward.
