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DEC Signal

DEC Signal

Written by: District 65 Educators Council
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About this listen

 DEC Signal is the weekly podcast for District 65 educators. In under five minutes, get what you need to know—and what you need to thrive. We cover what's happening in our district: staffing, budgets, school board decisions, and the issues affecting your classroom. But we also cover what helps you build a career: TRS pension and retirement planning, continuing education and endorsements, professional development opportunities, and how to advance in the profession. DEC Signal is about more than news. It's about why your union matters—how DEC and IEA fight for your salary, your benefits, your working conditions, and your voice. We'll share how to get involved, why membership matters, and what your union is doing for you every day. Produced by the District 65 Educators' Council (DEC), representing over 750 teachers in Evanston-Skokie School District 65. DEC is your union. This is your podcast. New episodes every Monday morning. Part of Signal Network, a product of The Signal Lab.© 2026 District 65 Educators' Council Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Kingsley Final, TWI Officially Closed, New Board Member Coming

    Kingsley Final, TWI Officially Closed, New Board Member Coming
    Feb 2 2026

    A busy week in District 65. Here's what educators need to know heading into February.

    KINGSLEY IS FINAL
    The board voted 6-0 on January 23rd to close Kingsley Elementary at the end of this school year. DEC is in ongoing conversations with the district about staffing assignments. Remember: you don't apply—placements are governed by state law, your contract, tenure, and certification.

    WILLARD TWI IS NOW A BOARD DECISION
    Last Monday, the board voted 5-1 to officially close the Willard TWI program. This matters—until now, the district called it an administrative decision. Parents raised questions about the magnet program classification, legal counsel reviewed, and it became a board vote. Maria Opdycke was the lone "no."

    NEW BOARD MEMBER EXPECTED TODAY
    February 2nd is the deadline for Regional Superintendent April Jordan to appoint the seventh board member. Chris Van Nostrand is expected. No more 3-3 deadlocks—which matters because Lincolnwood's fate gets decided in October.

    COMING UP
    → Feb 4: Foster School meeting for TWI families
    → Special education audit findings were presented to the board
    → Budget gap still ~$5 million for next year

    Questions about your situation? Talk to your building rep or contact DEC directly.
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    4 mins
  • Why DEC Membership Matters

    Why DEC Membership Matters
    Jan 27 2026

    What do you actually get from being a DEC member? This week, we break it down: your contract, your legal protection, your professional development, and your collective voice.

    DEC membership means:

    • A negotiated contract with salary, benefits, and working conditions
    • $1 million professional liability insurance through IEA/NEA
    • Access to 300+ free professional development courses
    • A seat at the table when the district makes decisions
    • 750 educators standing together

    This is your union. It works better when you're in it.
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • What You Need to Know This Week

    What You Need to Know This Week
    Jan 27 2026

    Kingsley is closing. Willard TWI is closing. Here's what District 65 educators need to know—and what you can actually do about it.

    In this episode:

    • Kingsley closure: How teacher assignments actually work (state law, contract, tenure—not applications)
    • Willard TWI: Families and educators still waiting for answers
    • What's quieted down and what's still coming on the budget
    • Four things you can do this week

    DEC is at the table fighting for you. If you have questions about your situation, talk to your building rep.
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
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