Board Briefs
February 17, 2022
Deerfield Public Schools District 109
Email: esteckling@dps109.org
Website: www.dps109.org
Location: 517 Deerfield Road, Deerfield, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 945-1844
Twitter: @DPS109
Important Note
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
2. Approval of Meeting Agenda
3. Recognition: What's Good in 109
Mr. Steckling shared highlights from around the six DPS 109 schools.
Highlights include:
-Valentine's Day fun at Walden
-Artwork from Wilmot featured at the District Office
-Olympics fun being had inside Kipling, Shepard, and with our Early Learners
-Memorable math classes at Caruso, Shepard, and Wilmot
-A chance to go rock climbing at Caruso
-Highlights of this week's Social Media & Digital Safety nights
You can see his presentation below.
-4th grade Olympics fun
-A school-wide initiative to help support Pete's Lunch
-Celebrating the 100th day of school
-4th graders playing instruments for the first time!
-Proud Penguins winners
-Kindergarteners learning sign language
We also heard a great presentation from several students representing the South Park Library Squad and everything they have been up to. You can watch their presentation below:
4. Superintendent's Report
He said that parents can help in the effort by disclosing vaccine status, signing up for SHIELD testing and participating every week, and keeping students home if someone in your household tests positive for COVID.
He said that after extensive discussion with neighboring districts, DPS 109 will be moving to a mask recommended environment starting March 7, 2022. Other mitigation protocols like distancing
Mr. Simeck said that phase in time is important for staff and students. Many younger students have never been at school without masks. There needs to be time for parents to talk to kids about their expectations, our teachers to speak with their classes about the change,
He reiterated the primary goal is getting kids in school and keeping them there. We will likely be dealing with COVID on an ongoing basis. As we move to the endemic phase, it is important we recognize that we may need to dial up or down mitigations depending on the time of year. We will do what we need to do to stop the spread of infection and preserve instructional and social experiences.
LCHD advises us that historical metrics won't be as accurate moving forward. DPS 109 will continue to note cases on our dashboard throughout the rest of the year.
Our indicators will primarily be: SHIELD testing prevalence, average caseloads over time, and positives in classrooms or other settings. LCHD will assist us in dealing with any concerns about spread. This is all subject to change based on updated guidance from health agencies.
There are some things that are unknown. Our legal counsel says that the DeVore case does not apply to us. The appellate ruling has been expected for some time. Our legal counsel says that the recent JCAR ruling is not applicable to us. The Governor's Executive Order is still applicable to us, and we will abide by it until lapses on March 5th.
He summarized that we have been successful in getting kids in school and keeping them there. We are looking forward to peeling back mitigations and he thanks and appreciates everyone for their flexibility and patience.
5. Community Participation Relative to Matters on the Meeting Agenda (Policy 2:230)
6. Assessment Update
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
7.1. Freedom of Information Requests (Policy 2:250)
7.2. 2022-23 Fee Recommendation
7.3. Custodial Services RFP Results
7.4. New Mission and Vision
Mission
District 109: Where creative environments ignite curiosity, collaborative relationships build
community, and challenging experiences foster confidence.
Vision:
By forging connections within, across, and beyond our classrooms, and cultivating each individual’s unique talents, we will develop students who are resilient emotionally, skilled socially, and prepared academically.
The plan is to have to the board vote on this as an action item for the March Board of Education meeting. After approval, the administration would begin the strategic planning process with a targeted presentation of that to the Board of Education in August.
7.5. Draft 2022/23 Regular Board Meeting Schedule
7.6. First Reading: Policy (4:20, 4:40, 4:50, 4:60, 4:70, 4:80, 4:90, 4:100, 4:110, 4:150, 4:160, 4:165, 4:170, 4:175, 4:180, 4:190, 6:135)
7.7. Intergovernmental Agreement By & Between the Village of Deerfield & Deerfield Public School District 109 to Reimburse Crossing Guard Services
ACTION ITEMS
8.1. Consent Agenda*
Meeting minutes were approved.
Personnel items were approved.
Bills for payment were approved.
8.2. Recommendation to Approve a Resolution for TRS Supplemental Savings Plan
8.3. Annual Audit RFP Results - Recommendation to Approve Lauterbach & Amen, LLP
8.4. Recommendation to Approve Printer/Print Services Contract
8.5. Final Reading: Policy (2:20, 2:110, 2:120, 2:150, 2:220, 2:222, 2:260, 3:40, 5:10, 5:20, 5:30, 5:50, 5:90, 5:100, 5:120, 5:185, 5:200, 5:250, 6:15, 6:50, 6:60, 6:120, 6:130, 7:30, 7:60, 7:70, 7:80, 7:150, 7:180, 7:190, 7:200, 7:210, 7:290, 7:310, 7:340, 7:345)
8.6. Treasurer's Report
8.7. Intergovernmental Agreement By & Between the Village of Deerfield & Deerfield Public School District 109 to Reimburse Crossing Guard Services
9. Committee Reports (Policy 2:150)
President Montgomery says the Executive Development Committee met last week and that it will be discussed in closed session tonight.
10. Open Community Participation (Policy 2:230)
11. Board/Superintendent Other
The Board has directed the administration to do more research about the legal responsibilities for paying for crossing guards and report back as soon as possible.
12. Closed Session (Policy 2:220)
13. Adjournment
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Thursday, March 17, 2022 @ 7 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting
Thursday, April 21, 2022 @ 7 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting