Board Briefs
February 10, 2020
Deerfield Public School District 109
National Board Certified Teachers Recognition
At the Board meeting, the Board recognized three teachers who received their National Board Certification. We are so proud of David Komie, Shenach Cameron, and Dawn Saarva (in order in the photos above) for this amazing accomplishment.
According to the NBPTS website (nbpts.org), "National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education."
Kipling Presentation
Kipling students presented to the Board on Monday night. These students did an amazing job explaining how they are spreading kindness in their school through various activities!
You can view their presentation here.
Sharjah Library Conference
Andrea Trudeau, Library Information Specialist at Shepard Middle School, presented to the Board about her experience as a presenter at the 7th Sharjah International Library Conference this past November.
Andrea presented on transforming your library, building empathy, and augmented and virtual reality alongside Laura Beals D'Elia from Massachusetts. Thank you for sharing your experience with us Andrea!
You can view her full presentation here.
Technology Recommendations: K-1 Devices
Administration is recommending a purchase not to exceed $250,000 for up to 600 new iPads for our kindergarten and first grade classrooms. These units will replace units that are currently in their sixth year of use which have an operating system that is no longer supported by Apple. This decision was made after engaging teachers and gathering their feedback. After also gathering feedback from our primary families, the decision has been made not to send iPads home with the students in kindergarten and first grade.
Middle School Grading Update
A committee of middle school teachers and the Teaching and Learning Department have been analyzing the Standards-Based Learning and Grading Survey results. All stakeholder groups reported the preference would be to return to traditional reporting in the middle schools. At the same time, the results showed that philosophies surrounding standards-based learning are also valued. The committee is putting together an implementation plan that honors both preferences for the 2020-2021 school year.
You can view the presentation here.
Math Program Update
A committee of middle school teachers, staff, and the Teaching and Learning Department have been analyzing the math survey results. The survey showed that there were mixed preferences for the different levels of math at the middle school. The committee presented recommendations to the Board for the 2020-2021 school year.
You can view the presentation here.
Safety and Security Discussion for the 440 Collaborative
Dr. McConnell discussed the proposal of a safety and security position which would be shared between the 440 Collaborative Districts #106, #109, #112, and #113.
Action Items
The regular meeting minutes from December 16, 2019, were approved.
The regular meeting minutes from January 13, 2020, were approved.
The closed session meeting minutes from January 13, 2020, were approved.
Personnel items were approved.
Bills for payment were approved.
The treasurer's report for January 2020 was approved.
The destruction of closed session recordings from July 12, 2018, was approved.
The 2020-2021 fee recommendations were approved.
The memorandum of understanding between the Board of Education and DEA - Sick Leave Grant was approved.
Committee Reports
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee met prior to the regular meeting and discussed press recommendations to change policies. They will schedule another meeting to finish reviewing the recommendations soon.
The Policy Committee also discussed the idea of recording Board meetings. There will be a Board discussion at the meeting on March 9.
Executive Development Committee (EDC)
The Executive Development Committee will meet on February 24.
Facilities Development Committee (FDC)
FDC met on February 4 and discussed iPads, school bus renewal, the IGA with the Park District, and an auditorium update. An update on Caruso's auditorium will be brought to the Board at the March 30th meeting.
Open Community Participation
A few parents complimented the teacher teams for the work they have put into the review of standards-based grading and math. The parents voiced suggestions to be considered as the committees finalize grading and math plans for the 2020-2021 school year such as transparency, re-takes, and transition plans.
Upcoming Meetings
Monday, March 9, 2020 - Regular Board Meeting
Monday, March 30, 2020 - Regular Board Meeting
Monday, April 20, 2020 - Regular Board Meeting
