The opening of the new Foster School in Evanston is an event that has sparked a range of emotions across the community. While there is excitement and anticipation, it is intertwined with a sense of skepticism and a hint of bittersweet nostalgia. This project, which has been a long time coming, aims to address the historical need for a school in the Fifth Ward, a predominantly Black neighborhood.
The original Foster School, which closed its doors in 1979, played a pivotal role in the desegregation of Evanston's public schools. It served as a magnet school, attracting both Black and white students, and its closure left a void in the community. For decades, there have been calls for a new school in the area, a call that is finally being answered.
A Thorny Journey to the New School
Getting the new Foster School financed and constructed was no easy feat. The process was riddled with challenges, from securing funding to addressing community concerns. The school shares a campus with the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center and the old Foster School building, which has been a flagship for Family Focus, providing social services to the community for over four decades.
In 2012, a referendum for a new school in the Fifth Ward failed, with a significant majority voting against it. However, the issue was revisited in 2022, and the board unanimously approved the construction of a new school.
The board's decision to arrange for the school's construction through a nominee bank and lease certificates was a creative solution to avoid a referendum. This approach, while innovative, has its critics. The district is now obligated to pay around $3.2 million annually until 2042, a significant financial commitment that must come from operating funds, not property taxes.
The New Foster School: A Mixed Bag
The new Foster School, while a welcome addition to the community, has its fair share of critics. From the outside, the building is unappealing, massive, and lacks the charm of its predecessor. The bold color choices clash with the overall aesthetic, and the limited open space for recreation is a concern.
Enrollment figures are also a point of contention. With an initial enrollment of just over 320 students, the school is significantly under capacity. Additionally, the demographic makeup of the student body is diverse, a far cry from the predominantly Black school of the 1960s.
Despite these criticisms, the new school is a step forward. It provides an opportunity for children in the Fifth Ward to attend a neighborhood school, reducing the need for involuntary busing. It aims to foster parental involvement and student engagement, and it has the potential to develop an education model that ensures all children are prepared for their academic journey.
A New Chapter for Evanston
The opening of the new Foster School marks a new chapter in Evanston's history. While it may not be everyone's dream school, it is a symbol of progress and a response to the community's long-standing calls for a school in the Fifth Ward.
The heritage hall, a central feature of the school's interior, will pay homage to the rich history of the area and the original Foster School. It is a reminder that schools are not just buildings; they are places where children are educated, nurtured, and inspired to become leaders and innovators.
As the new school year begins, 320 children will embark on their educational journey at Evanston's newest public school. It is a fresh start, a new beginning, and a chance to write a new chapter in the story of Foster School.
