Board Briefs
September 21, 2020
Deerfield Public Schools District 109
Board Meeting Details
The September 21 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.
Presentation by Caruso Middle School
Superintendent Search Update
Dr. Linda Yonke and Dr. Ben Martindale of Exec Search Connect presented the findings of a community-wide survey and focus groups that they held with various stakeholder groups in Deerfield. They also presented the working profile that they will be using to evaluate candidates for the position. You can find their presentation
here.
Community Participation Relative to Matters on the Meeting Agenda
There were 20+ voicemails played and no live speakers during the community participation section. The overwhelming majority addressed the school re-entry/reopening efforts with varying opinions.
Discussion Regarding the Re-Entry Task Force & Open Meetings Act
Mr. Kuo (Co-Chair of the Task Force) talked about the complaint and how additional language has been added to the Task Force webpage to clarify that it is an advisory group that works with the Administration and cannot direct the Board of Education to take any action. The Task Force plans on resuming regular meetings tomorrow.
Superintendent's Report
Mr. Rafferty thanked the staff and administration for a continued successful start to the school year.
Ms. Arnold gave an update on the first meeting of the new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.
Freedom of Information Requests
Mr. Himebaugh shared a summary of FOIA requests. There were 6 in total.
Annual Enrollment Update
Mr. Himebaugh referenced the enrollment update document attached to the agenda.
Resolution to Include PNC Bank as Investment Vendor and Depository
Mr. Himebaugh discussed interest in adding PNC Bank as a vendor to give the district more flexibility and options.
Employee Compensation Report
Mr. Himebaugh presented the annual report that is required of District 109 to publish.
Agreement for Lab Services between 109 & Wisconsin Diagnostic Labs
Dr. Fisher & Dr. Westerhold discussed the agreement with WDL that would allow for on-site testing at the District Office for students & staff that may be presenting COVID-19 symptoms.
Resolution Declaring National Principals Month
The board president read a resolution honoring the district's principals and assistant principals throughout the month of October.
Middle School Re-Entry Recommendation
Mr. Rafferty discussed the recommendation, acknowledging that the administration knows that no proposal will be able to satisfy all stakeholders.
Ms. Arnold gave a presentation explaining two potential hybrid AM/PM schedule for middle school and comparing them to the current instruction provided in 109 Online.
The board decided by consensus that the middle school community would be surveyed about the "Option 2" hybrid schedule and the 109 Online program. The administration will formulate the survey in the coming day. The Board will have a Special Meeting next Tuesday, September 29 to discuss the results of the survey and decide how to proceed.
Action Items
Meeting minutes from August 24, 2020 were approved.
Personnel items were approved.
August Treasurer's Report was approved.
Bills for payment were approved.
Employee Compensation Report was approved.
Succession plan was approved.
Student Services consultant agreement was approved.
National Principals Month resolution was approved.
The agenda was amended to table the vote on the Middle School Re-Entry recommendation. It will be taken up at a Special Board Meeting on Tuesday, September 29 at 5:30 p.m.
Committee Reports
There were no committee reports.
Open Community Participation
One community member spoke about the school re-entry program.
Board/Superintendent Other
There were no matters discussed.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Tuesday, September 29, 2020 -- Special Board Meeting @ 5:30 p.m.
Monday, October 26, 2020 -- Regular Board Meeting
