
The BOE Recap
August 17th, 2023

August 17th, 2023
Watch The Meeting Recording Below:
(Open session begins at 1:05:20)
1. Call To Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. Approval of Meeting Agenda
The agenda was approved.
3. Closed Session
The board moved into closed session at 6:05 p.m. to discuss:
-Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).
-The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance with this Act. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).
-Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2).
4. Reconvene To Open Session
The board reconvened to open session at 7:01 p.m.
5. Public Hearing - 2023/24 Budget
The purpose of this hearing will be to seek input from school personnel, parents, and other
community members concerning the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023.
Notice was published in the local newspaper pursuant to School Code
The start time of the hearing was 7:03 p.m. Mr. Kuo asked for public comment three times. Hearing no comments, the hearing was closed at 7:03 p.m.
6. Public Hearing - Fund Transfer from Educational Fund to Operations & Maintenance Fund
The purpose of this hearing will be to seek input from school personnel, parents, and other
community members concerning a transfer from the Education Fund to the Operations &
Maintenance Fund. Notice was published in the local newspaper pursuant to School Code.
The start time of the hearing was 7:04 p.m. Mr. Kuo asked for public comment three times. Hearing no comments, the hearing was closed at 7:07 p.m.
7. What’s Good in 109
Mr. Steckling presented the first What's Good in 109 of the 2023-2024 where we highlight how we as a district Challenge, Collaborate, and Create across our six schools.
In 2022-2023, we recognized over 100 students during the What's Good segment at the BOE meeting. We are proud of the fact that we have given so many students a platform to be recognized and to showcase their work.
Our staff is back for professional development. Mr. Kuo got a chance to visit with new employees and welcome them to the district as part of the orientation process. Staff members also got to sit with their building administrators and district admins to learn about a student that inspired and influenced their career. We are pleased to welcome 7 staff members to our ranks that attended DPS 109 as students at some point.
Schools have been busy welcoming new students. We saw pictures of orientation at South Park and Early Learners as they get kids acclimated to their new surroundings. 6th graders at Shepard and Caruso got a chance to explore the buildings and try out their new lockers.
The PTO's are already hard at work. Kipling had a back to school event on their playground where they passed out sunglasses.
We really value our community partnerships. Mr. Steckling had the pleasure of presenting to the Deerfield Rotary Club about the many great things we are doing in district. We are also thankful for the Deerfield Public Library, who visited Caruso during professional developments to help staff sign up for library cards.
DPS 109 will be appearing at the Deerfield Farmers Market on Saturday, September 26th between 7:30 a.m. and noon.
8. Superintendent's Report
Mr. Simeck visited all six buildings today to welcome back staff and set a tone for the new school year. He continues to be impressed by the engagement and willingness of our staff to continue their learning and devotion to the mission and vision. There is a collective drive towards greater engagement for students' future academic success.
There is a lot of ongoing professional development. Thanks to Dr. Arnold and Ms. Ford for spearheading that work and ensuring it is a unified message.
We just underwent a successful communications test. All families should have gotten an email, text and robocall. There is information about how to change your data on dps109.org.
Buildings are ready to go for a new year. Thank you to Dr. Filippi, Tim Ryan, and their team for all of their hard work over the summer. There will be an upcoming Master Facility Planning Committee of the Whole meeting on August 29th.
9. Community Participation Relative to Matters on the Meeting Agenda (Policy 2:230)
There were no speakers present.
10.1. Freedom of Information Requests (Policy 2:250)
Dr. Filippi presented one request from NBC Universal.
10.2. Fleet Vehicle Purchase
Dr. Filippi presented the proposal to purchase two fleet vehicles in fiscal year 2024. This has been accounted for in the budget process and would replace two aging vans. The board will consider the purchase of one of the vans at the September 2023 meeting with the second van up for consideration at a later date.
10.3. Policy First Reading: 2:80, 2:170, 4:100, 4:150, 5:230, 6:10, 6:240, 7:305, 8:25, 8:95
Mr. Morrison presented the policy updates recommended by the Policy Committee. You can find details on the proposed changes in the documents posted on BoardBook.
10.4. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Discussion
This item was removed from the agenda and will be brought back to the Board of Education at a later date.
10.5. Strategic Plan Update
Dr. Arnold presented a comprehensive update on the progress of the district's strategic plan.
There has been a lot of great work happening in the district during the summer. There are now 36 teacher leaders (6 at each school) helping lead the work moving forward. They have all been involved in meetings in the past week.
She walked through the four goals and the progress that is being made towards each of the goals. Click below to watch her presentation.
11.1. Consent Agenda*
Meeting minutes from July 27, 2023 were approved.
Personnel items were approved.
Bills for payment were approved.
Destruction of closed session audio was approved.
11.2. Treasurer's Report
The report was approved.
11.3. Open Session Minutes Portion from the Closed Session Meeting on July 13, 2023
The minutes were approved.
11.4. 2023-24 Budget
The budget was approved.
11.5. Contract for Shared Director for School Safety & Security (Deerfield Public Schools District 109, North Shore School District 112, and Bannockburn School District 106)
The board approved the contract of Solveig Jurmu. She will be a shared position with Districts 106 and 112.
11.6. Resolution Authorizing Commencement of Social Media Litigation
The resolution was approved.
11.7. Resolution for an Interfund Transfer from the Education Fund to the Operations & Maintenance Fund
The resolution was approved.
11.8. Resolution Authorizing Transfer from Operations & Maintenance Fund to Capital Projects Fund
The resolution was approved.
12. Committee Reports (Policy 2:150)
The Policy Committee met earlier this evening to review some material. The Executive Development Committee will have an upcoming meeting next month.
13. Open Community Participation (Policy 2:230)
There were no speakers present.
14. Board/Superintendent Other
President Montgomery echoed her appreciation for the amount of training and professional development going on across the district. She thanked Dr. Arnold for all of her hard work on the strategic plan. She thanked Mrs. Joyce for her enthusiasm and dedication in the onboarding process.
15. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.