Board Briefs
February 8, 2021
Deerfield Public Schools District 109
Board Meeting Details
The February 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.
Student Recognition
Mr. Eric Steckling, Director of Communications, shared a short video presentation honoring Ruby Goldkind (Wilmot) & Marissa Kallsnick (Walden) for their fundraisers they have been running from home to raise money to help sick kids. You can watch the videos below:
Early Learners Teacher Presentation
The Early Learners team presented to the board about how they address social-emotional learning needs within their program. A copy of their presentation is linked below:
Community Participation Relative to Matters on the Meeting Agenda
There were several dozen voicemails played from the public comment line. Most referenced the decision to return to hybrid learning and their agreement or disagreement with the school re-entry process. There was one live speaker.
Superintendent's Report
Mr. Rafferty recognized John Filippi for earning his SFO designation and Kelly Mitchell for earning the Skyward 2020-2021 Leader in Excellence Award.
He also recognized Dr. Scott Schwartz for being hired as the Superintendent of Gavin School District 37.
Mr. Rafferty thanked Stuart Koch, a parent who helped establish the relationship with Walgreens that allowed staff to get vaccinated. He thanked Walgreens for helping our district. He also thanked Mr. Fisher, Ms. Ford, and Mr. Filippi for their hard work in getting the vaccine clinic set up for staff.
FOIA Requests
Mr. Himebaugh discussed 5 requests that have been fulfilled.
SHIELD Testing Update
Mr. Filippi provided an update on SHIELD testing. He said that testing teams are being formulated and that training will take place next week. He said the first trial runs will tentatively take place the week of February 22 and that it will take a few cycles for everyone to get accustomed to the process. A copy of his presentation is linked below.
The superintendents recommended that SHIELD testing be made mandatory for all in-person learners. They said that SHIELD is still awaiting their emergency use authorization from the FDA.
Next Phase For In-Person Learning
Superintendent Rafferty recommended that the district introduce full in-person learning with a full remote option beginning March 8th. He explained why the administration is recommending this now, including: studies showing that schools do not have high transmission levels, various mitigation protocols like mask wearing and social distancing, and extra safeguards like SHIELD testing and vaccinations for staff.
All six of the building principals joined Assistant Superintendent Danielle Arnold to present the return plan. A copy of their presentation is linked below:
Live-Streaming Equipment Recommendation
Ms. Arnold discussed the recommendation to purchase equipment that would allow for live streaming options if a significant number of students need to be placed on quarantine.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - Courier Duty
Dr. Filippi discussed the MOU that would allow for SHIELD testing samples to be delivered to a lab for analysis.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - Team Leader and Supervision
Dr. Fisher discussed the MOU that would allow for supervision duties associated with the return to in-person learning this year.
Summer Work Recommendation
Dr. Filippi discussed the proposed summer work, which includes: replacement of large section of Shepard roof, work with the Park District on the Early Learners playground, work on the district wireless network, boosting antennas for first responders, and replacing two vehicles for Buildings & Grounds
Policy First 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
Dr. Fisher presented these 14 policies for a first reading.
2021-22 Fees Recommendation
Dr. Filippi discussed that the recommendation is to not increase any fees for 2021-2022, but to collect fees on the normal schedule (due July 1, 2021)
Consent Agenda
Personnel items were approved.
Regular Meeting & Closed Session Minutes from January 11, 2021 meeting were approved.
Destruction of Closed Session Audio was approved.
Bills for payment were approved.
December Quarterly 2020 Treasurer's Report was approved.
Regular Meeting Minutes from December 14, 2020 were approved.
Recommendation for Next Phase of In-Person Learning was approved.
Recommendation for Live-Streaming Equipment was approved.
MOU - Courier Duty & MOU - Team Leader Stipend and Supervision was approved.
Addendum to Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Employment Agreement was approved.
2021-22 Administrator Contracts were approved.
Recommendation of Consultant Agreement was approved.
Committee Reports
The Executive Development Committee met last week and discussed administrator contracts for next year.
The Facilities Development Committee met last week and had a lot of discussions about possible work, but no recommended projects as of right now. They want the incoming superintendent to be a part of any conversation for anything big moving forward.
The Policy Committee met and their work was discussed earlier in the meeting.
Open Community Participation
There was one live speaker who thanked the board for authorizing the superintendents' recommendation to offer in-person learning beginning March 8.
Board/Superintendent Other
The Board will look at having more in-person attendance for upcoming Board of Education meetings.
Adjournment Into Closed Session
Adjourned at 10:51
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Monday, March 8, 2021 -- Regular Board Meeting (modified from Committee of the Whole)
Monday, March 29, 2021 -- Regular Board Meeting
Monday, April 26, 2021 -- Regular Board Meeting
