Evanston/Skokie District 65 Faces Another Challenge with Kathy Zalewski’s Resignation

Kathy Zalewski, a longtime business manager and chief school business official for the Evanston/Skokie District 65, has announced her resignation at the end of this school year. With 23 years of experience in the district’s business office, starting in May 2001, Zalewski’s final day in her position will be June 28. The district expressed their gratitude for her contributions over the years and wished her success in her future endeavors while assuring a smooth transition with her departure.

As Zalewski prepares to leave, the district will need to find a new chief financial officer and business manager during the summer. The CFO position has been vacant since August 2023 when Raphael Obafemi left to join Oswego District 308. With Zalewski’s exit, she joins other key personnel who have left District 65 over the past year, including former Superintendent Devon Horton and Dean of Culture and Climate Elijah Palmer. The district is actively seeking replacements for these positions to ensure continuity in operations.

During a recent public hearing regarding the potential closure of Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies, former board member Rebeca Mendoza expressed gratitude towards Zalewski for her two decades of service to District 65. Mendoza also voiced concerns about the financial future of the district given the upcoming departures of key personnel and the absence of continuity in planning processes for new school initiatives. Despite these challenges, the district is working with financial advisors to manage financial matters effectively during this transition period.

Zalewski’s resignation marks yet another blow to an already struggling school district that has faced numerous challenges over the past year, including declining enrollment numbers and budget cuts. With key personnel leaving at an alarming rate, it remains unclear how long it will take for District 65 to recover from its current state of instability.

In conclusion, Kathy Zalewski’s resignation marks yet another blow to an already struggling school district that has faced numerous challenges over the past year. As she prepares to leave District 65 after more than two decades of service, it remains unclear how long it will take for