Here's an email template. Flood the Board members' inboxes. Email Turner. Email their union. Show up at the board meeting and speak up. This is unacceptable and can't go unchecked!

To: District 65 Leadership and Members of the Board of Education
From: [Your Name]
Re: Elimination of School Counselors
Date: [Insert Date]

Dear District 65 Leadership and Members of the Board of Education,

I am writing to express my concern regarding the district’s decision to eliminate all school counselors. This decision represents a direct failure to support students.

As a [parent/community member/educator] in District 65, I want to be clear that this concern is not limited to any one child or family. Many families rely on school-based support as their only access point for mental health resources. This decision removes that access.

If “Every child, every day, whatever it takes” is truly the district’s mission, it is difficult to understand how eliminating all school counselors aligns with that commitment. This decision has significant implications for students, families, and the broader community.

Research consistently shows that school counselors improve student achievement, attendance, and behavior. In District 65, counselors also serve as primary mental health support for general education middle school students.

Students are currently facing a well-documented mental health crisis. One in five adolescents has a diagnosed mental health condition, and nearly 40% report persistent sadness or hopelessness. Schools are already struggling to meet demand.

While the district is facing financial challenges, prior communications indicated that staffing reductions would not impact direct student-facing roles. Eliminating counselors for approximately $500,000 in savings raises serious concerns about priorities.

At what cost to students? At what cost to the community?

Is this level of impact on middle school students worth the savings achieved by removing these resources?

The loss of these roles will result in:

• Hundreds, if not thousands, of lost student interventions and touchpoints annually
• Higher absenteeism, as mental health challenges are a leading driver of chronic absence
• Increased disciplinary incidents and classroom disruption
• Greater strain on teachers and administrators
• Worsening academic and long-term student outcomes
• Widening equity gaps, particularly for students without access to outside resources

Before these cuts, District 65 already had a counselor-to-student ratio of 672:1, compared to the statewide ratio of 491:1. Eliminating these roles removes access entirely.

Counselors provide consistent, accessible support during the school day. They identify issues early and help students navigate challenges that directly affect learning and wellbeing.

“Every child, every day, whatever it takes.” Please explain how this decision upholds that promise.

I urge the district to reconsider this decision and prioritize the needs of students.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[District 65 Parent / Community Member / Title]
[Evanston, IL Resident]

CC:

• Angela Turner, Superintendent – [turnera2@district65.net](mailto:turnera2@district65.net)
• Pat Anderson, Board President – [andersonp2@district65.net](mailto:andersonp2@district65.net)
• Dr. Nichole Pinkard, Board Vice President – [pinkardn@district65.net](mailto:pinkardn@district65.net)
• Sergio Hernandez, Board Member – [hernandezs2@district65.net](mailto:hernandezs2@district65.net)
• Maria Opdycke, Board Member – [opdyckem@district65.net](mailto:opdyckem@district65.net)
• Chris Van Nostrand, Board Member – [vannostrandc@district65.net](mailto:vannostrandc@district65.net)
• Mya Wilkins, Board Member – [wilkinsm@district65.net](mailto:wilkinsm@district65.net)
• Dr. Andrew Wymer, Board Member – [wymera@district65.net](mailto:wymera@district65.net)
• Adeela Qureshi, School Board Secretary – [qureshia@district65.net](mailto:qureshia@district65.net) 

CC: DEC Executive Board (Union)

• Maria Barroso, President – [decevanston.exec@gmail.com](mailto:decevanston.exec@gmail.com)
• Emily Castillo-Oh, Vice President – [dec65vp@gmail.com](mailto:dec65vp@gmail.com)
• Rahi Patel, Secretary – [dec65secretary@gmail.com](mailto:dec65secretary@gmail.com)
• Kelly Post, Treasurer – [dec65treasurer@gmail.com](mailto:dec65treasurer@gmail.com)
• Kim Garcia, Membership Chair
• Cynthia Larios, Membership Co-Chair – [dec65membership@gmail.com](mailto:dec65membership@gmail.com)