Board Briefs
March 8, 2021
Deerfield Public Schools District 109
Board Meeting Details
The March 8th regular board meeting was held both on site at the District Office and remotely via Zoom. Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, only 10 people were permitted inside the boardroom at any given time, observing proper physical distancing and wearing face coverings. Members of the public could listen/observe the meeting by logging in to a designated Zoom webinar. For open/community participation, a laptop was set up in the District Office to accommodate live public comment. The district also created a dedicated voicemail line for public comment.
Recognition - South Park Avid Readers
Mr. Eric Steckling, Director of Communications, shared a short video presentation honoring the avid readers from Mrs. Pitaro's class at South Park. The district also gave the students a bookmark to help them in their reading journey! (watch video below)
Recognition -- Jack Riggio
Mr. Steckling also shared a story that popped up late last week, when WGN News came to Deerfield to feature 88-year-old Jack Riggio, a crossing guard that has spent 2+ decades serving the Caruso, South Park, and Walden neighborhoods. (video below)
Community Participation Relative to Matters on the Meeting Agenda
There were no voicemails left on the public line and there were no in-person community members wishing to leave comment.
Superintendent's Report
Mr. Rafferty thanked everyone for their hard work to make today's transition to full remote and full in-person learning successful.
He thanked the buildings & grounds department for putting in long hours to reconfigure classrooms. He thanked district administrators for their tireless work in leading their departments, and thanked building administrators for leading their teams.
Mr. Rafferty said that as of today we have administered 2,974 SHIELD tests with a positivity rate of 0.25%. 94% of the staff was fully vaccinated thanks to the partnership with Walgreens for the clinics in January and February.
Mr. Rafferty said that the administration will continue to monitor any newly released, changing and developing guidance by agencies as we continue through this pandemic.
Being the final meeting serving as the co-interim superintendents, Mr. Rafferty and Dr. Westerhold wanted to thank the Board of Education members for their efforts and leadership during the year. They wanted to give a special shout out to the building principals and assistant principals for navigating the year. They also thanked the Executive Leadership Team for their tireless work and dedication.
FOIA Requests
Mr. Himebaugh discussed one request that has been fulfilled.
Harvard Maintenance Renewal
Mr. Himebaugh discussed a new 3-year contract renewal with Harvard Maintenance.
MOU - Simultaneous Teaching While Video Streaming
Dr. Fisher discussed the memorandum of understanding bargained with the Deerfield Education Association when it comes to using livestreaming equipment for our March 8 full in person/full remote path.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Update
Ms. Danielle Arnold, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, provided the Board with an update on the DEI Committee's work this year and upcoming initiatives. You can find a copy of her presentation below. (click button)
Zoom Contract Renewal
Dr. Schwartz discussed the administration's proposal to renew the contract with Zoom for another 12 months, given the necessity of the remote instructional option to still be available. Mr. Filippi said that Zoom will only allow a 12-month renewal in March (because we started with them last March when the pandemic necessitated it) and will work on getting the contract to better align with the school year calendar.
Consent Agenda
Personnel items were approved.
Bills for payment were approved.
January Treasurer's Report was approved.
Destruction of Closed Session Audio was approved.
Resolution - Honorable Dismissal of Teachers
The resolution was approved.
2021-22 Fees Recommendation
The recommendation was approved.
Summer Capital Projects
All capital projects were approved.
Policy Final Reading: 3:40, 4:10, 4:55, 4:80, 4:150, 5:30, 5:190, 5:270, 6:15, 6:280, 6:340, 7:100, 7:140, 7:325
The policies were approved.
2021-22 Administrator Contracts
The contracts were approved.
MOU - Simultaneous Teaching While Video Streaming
The memorandum of understanding was approved.
Zoom Contract Renewal
The contract was approved.
Committee Reports
There were no reports.
Open Community Participation
No one was present to participate.
Board/Superintendent Other
A reminder that the next board meeting date has been moved from March 29 to April 5. The board intends to hold the next meeting at 7 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Monday, April 5, 2021 -- Regular Board Meeting
Monday, April 26, 2021 -- Regular Board Meeting
