Board Briefs
November 18, 2021
Deerfield Public Schools District 109
Board Meeting Details
This regular Board of Education meeting was held in person at the District Office with no pandemic-related capacity limit. In-person public comment was available for attendees.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:19 p.m.
2. Approval of Meeting Agenda
The agenda was approved.
3. Adjourn to Closed Session** (Policy 2:220)
The meeting was adjourned to a closed session at 6:22 PM.
4. Reconvene to Open Session at Approximately 7:00PM
The Open Session portion of the meeting began at 7:03 PM.
5. Public Hearing: Truth in Taxation
Hearing called to order at 7:04 PM. No one chose to speak about the tax levy. The Truth in Taxation hearing was closed at 7:05 PM.
6. What's Good in 109
Mr. Simeck shared highlights from around the six DPS 109 schools.
Highlights include:
-Artwork featured at the District Office from Kipling students
-A recap of the 109 Gives Back Food & Supply Drive
-The 5th grade inquiry fair at Kipling
-The PERK program running at Walden
-A combined performance by the Caruso and Shepard choirs
You can see his presentation below.
South Park was our featured school of the month, with a presentation by the specials and Early Learners teams, which have teamed up to offer classes to our youngest students for the first time this year! You can watch their presentation below:
7. Superintendent's Report
Mr. Simeck spoke about the awarding of the Chicago Tribune 2021 "Top Workplace" designation to District 109! He gave kudos to Dr. Fisher for his leadership on the human resources side of things.
COVID Mitigations have not undergone any major changes since the last board meeting. The Test-To-Stay program continues to keep kids in school. Band concerts, fall sports, and other activities continue to resume.
Dr. Filippi discussed the student vaccination clinics. The vaccine clinics began today at Shepard Middle School. The clinic is being offered through Passport Health. We have opened the clinic to the wider community to ensure that all spots are filled.
SHIELD Testing results are now taking up to 48-hours due to the increase in testing taking place throughout the state. The courier issue that occurred last week was an isolated incident, and additional testing was offered Tuesday for the two impacted schools.
Mr. Simeck said he has received several questions about what is next after students are largely vaccinated, and the honest answer is we don't know. Guidance could change from the health department and the state and it's too early to speculate anything.
Define 109 has received staff survey results, student survey results, completed virtual and in-person community sessions, and ThoughtExchange closes as of 5 pm November 19th.
8. Community Participation Relative to Matters on the Meeting Agenda (Policy 2:230)
There was no community participation.
9.1. Freedom of Information Requests (Policy 2:250)
Dr. Filippi discussed two commercial requests that were fulfilled.
9.2. RSP Associates Agreement
Dr. Filippi says this is a joint venture between 109, the village of Deerfield, and the park district as it relates to upcoming demography work.
10.1. Consent Agenda*
The meeting minutes were approved.
Personnel items were approved.
Bills for payment were approved.
Destruction of closed session audio was approved.
10.2. Resolution Approving the Aggregate Levy for the Year 2021
The resolution was approved.
10.3. Resolution Authorizing Levy for Special Education Purposes
The resolution was approved.
10.4. Resolution Providing for the Payment of Debt Service and Abating Taxes
The resolution was approved.
10.5. Andy Frain Crossing Guard Services Agreement
The agreement was approved.
10.6. School Resource Officer Agreement
The agreement was approved.
10.7. Recommendation for Administrative Contract Renewals
The contracts were approved.
10.8. RSP Associates Agreement
The agreement was approved.
10.9. Recommendation to Approve the 2022-23 Public School Calendar
The calendar for 2022-2023 was approved.
11. Committee Reports (Policy 2:150)
Mrs. Jakymiw said there was a TrueNorth board meeting last week. They are in the middle of a strategic planning process, picking a company to work with next year. They had a district profile meeting with 109 officials.
Mr. Kuo said that Finance Committee will meet on 12/16 before the next board meeting.
The policy committee is trying to coordinate their next meeting.
12. Open Community Participation (Policy 2:230)
There was no community participation.
13. Board/Superintendent Other
President Montgomery thanked Mr. Greg Himebaugh for his 20 years of service to the district. He will be retiring at the end of the calendar year. Mr. Kuo, Mr. Begley, and Mr. Ashman added their thanks and words of appreciation as well.
President Montgomery discussed recent building tours that board members have taken as part of the Master Facility Plan preparation process.
She thanked Dr. Fisher and the whole leadership team for the "Top Workplaces" effort. She also thanked Dr. Filippi for facilitating the vaccine clinic being held at SMS.
She mentioned that discussions around District 113 issues and any possible consolidation have only been held at a "very high level" and that no immediate action is forthcoming.
Mr. Simeck thanked the tech team for their work in broadcasting the live meeting seamlessly.
14. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 PM.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Thursday, December 16, 2021 @ 7 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting
Thursday, January 20, 2022 @ 7 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting
Thursday, February 17, 2022 @ 7 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting
