BOE Recap
August 25, 2022
Deerfield Public Schools District 109
Board Meeting Details
This regular Board of Education meeting was held in person at the District Office.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Approval of Meeting Agenda
The agenda was approved.
3. What's Good in 109
Mr. Steckling presented the monthly What's Good in 109 report, highlighting:
-Interviews with the class of 2031...our new kindergarteners
-District 109 winning the Golden Achievement award from NSPRA
-Schools being challenged to create their own t-shirts this year, exemplifying the 3 C's
CHALLENGE
-South Park and Wilmot students working together on cup-stacking challenges
COLLABORATE
-Kipling 4th graders showing kindergarteners how to work iPads
-Shepard ELA students being matched up with random partners (using the Benny Hill theme song) to work on projects
CREATE
-Walden kindergarteners getting to build their first projects in the STEAM lab
Caruso is our featured school of the month, as we showcase the 3 C's in one building:
CHALLENGE: 6th graders facing the prospect of opening their locker for the first time
COLLABORATE: Grade-level assemblies where each grade learned rules & expectations and also developed a class cheer; a picnic put on by the PTO for new students to meet and bond; a monthly coffee hour for parents hosted by Principal Brodeur
CREATE: Ms. Witczak's ExSEL group dressing up in fun costumes, and production beginning on the Caruso Minute (a student-produced talk show)
Finally, Mr. Steckling recognized two students who addressed the staff at their Opening Day rally, Owen from South Park and Maya from Shepard.
4. Strategic Plan Overview Presentation
Mrs. Arnold delivered a presentation about the strategic plan.
Mr. Cybulski (Shepard) discussed the first goal of dynamic and responsive instructional practices.
Mr. Lombardo (Kipling) and Mr. Brodeur (Caruso) discussed the second goal of positive culture and personal development.
Dr. Faust (South Park) discussed the third goal of equitable outcomes for all.
Dr. Brett (Wilmot) discussed the fourth goal of clear & respectful communication.
The board asked several questions that were answered by the administration.
5. Superintendent's Report
Mr. Simeck showcased highlights from the first day of school along with our Opening Day staff barbecue, and the staff assembly.
He showed pictures from the Walden staff as they brainstormed about how to put the strategic plan into action.
Mr. Simeck showcased some of the summer construction work that took place around the district, including progress on the fine arts wing at Caruso, new gym floors in all of the elementary schools, and new hallway floors in most of Wilmot.
Dr. Filippi discussed that SHIELD take-home testing begins tomorrow, with the first kits being returned on Monday.
Mr. Simeck also thanked Dr. Fisher for his tireless work in hiring and Dr. Bialk for getting the year off to a great start from a technology standpoint.
6. Community Participation Relative to Matters on the Meeting Agenda (Policy 2:230)
There was no one wishing to make public comment.
7.1. Freedom of Information Requests (Policy 2:250)
There were no requests made.
7.2. Core Values Overview
Mr. Simeck said that there is a need for the board for develop core values to guide the administration's work. A draft has been compiled over the summer and is being presented for the board's consideration tonight.
7.3. E-Learning Plan
Mrs. Arnold presented the plan that is required for DPS 109 to develop so that we have standards in place for any future need to do e-learning.
8.1. Consent Agenda*
Personnel items were approved.
Bills for payment were approved.
8.2. Treasurer's Report
The report was approved.
8.3. Recommendation to Approve The Security System Upgrade
The upgrade was approved.
8.4. Approval of Closed Session Minutes from June 16, 2022
The minutes were approved.
8.5. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes from July 28, 2022
The minutes were approved.
8.6. Approval of the Open Session Meeting Minutes Portion from the Closed Session Meeting on August 2, 2022
The minutes were approved.
8.7. Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes from August 2, 2022
The minutes were approved.
9. Committee Reports (Policy 2:150)
Mrs. Jakymiw will be attending the first TrueNorth meeting of the year next week.
The Policy Committee is going to reschedule their meeting that was postponed from earlier this evening.
The Finance & FDC committees will be meeting in the coming months.
10. Open Community Participation (Policy 2:230)
There was no one wishing to speak.
11. Board/Superintendent Other
Mrs. Jakymiw thanked Mr. Steckling for shifting the What's Good in 109 segment to focus on the newly emphasized 3 C's (Challenge, Collaborate, Create). Mr. Morrison congratulated the district on the NSPRA award. President Montgomery thanked Mr. Simeck and the administration for a very successful start to the school year.
12. Closed Session
The meeting moved to closed session at 9:05 p.m.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Thursday, September 22, 2022 @ 7 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting
Thursday, October 27, 2022 @ 7 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting
