Board Briefs

Board Briefs is a newsletter-style summary of the highlights of the Board of Education's discussion and action. You can find the meeting agenda online and look for minutes to be posted after they are approved at the next regular BOE meeting (November 20, 2025).

The Board agenda and documents presented at the meeting are included in the Board Packet, and the meeting was streamed live and recorded on the District YouTube channel.

Chief Communications Officer Cathy Kedjidjian shared that throughout the week, District 109 staff were participating in the first Thrive in 109 Wellness Challenge, completing a Bingo board with activities that focus on physical and emotional well being and connection. At the meeting, Board members worked on completing one activity on the board: trying a new fruit or vegetable. A winner from each building will be able to select an item from the new D109 swag store, and the building with the highest participation rate will win smoothies – and bragging rights.

Each meeting, Superintendent Mike Simeck provides information and updates on initiatives, events, notable achievements and other timely information.

Superintendent Simeck shared his appreciation for District 109's building leaders, and read the proclamation from the State of Illinois recognizing Principals Appreciation Week.

Mr. Simeck gave an update on the reorganization of TrueNorth. He explained that the District continues to review the best path based on current proposed bylaws. At this time, it appears to be in the best interest of the District to continue pursuing an exit from the cooperative.

Mr. Simeck shared appreciation for the time, thought and care that School Board members volunteer to give to the District and the community. The Illinois Association of School Boards, and District 109, recognizes November 15 as School Board Member Day.

Community members are encouraged to attend Board of Education meetings and contribute during the community participation periods. In all regular Board of Education meetings, the Board follows a set agenda that include two opportunities for community participation, one to address matters related to the agenda, and one open participation period later in the meeting. D109 Board Briefs provides a summary of the topics addressed by those who speak; the meeting recording, above, provides a full recording of comments from the community. Joseph Kopsick, who is not a member of the Deerfield community, spoke about a history of problems throughout Lake County.

Superintendent Simeck, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations John Filippi and Chief Communications Officer Cathy Kedjidjian presented updates to the Walden site concept based on feedback from neighbors. Mr. Simeck shared that the District continues to look for alternative financially viable "swing sites" to alleviate congestion on campuses that would have two schools operating for one year. Board members who attended information sessions and the Farmers Market shared what they heard from the community. There are upcoming information sessions, including a new virtual session at noon on October 28 that will be recorded. The last in-person session is currently scheduled on October 29 at 6:30pm at Walden.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Dr. John Filippi shared that the District responded to three Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Danielle Arnold gave a preliminary update on fall Panoram data, as well as MAP math and English language arts data.

Dr. Filippi presented the 2025 Tax Levy, which will fund the 2026-2027 school year. He noted that the District is limited in the amount it can levy to the lesser of CPI or 5%. The current CPI is 2.9%, so that is the amount the District is seeking to levy; the levy also incorporates equalized assessed value (EAV) and new construction. The full tax levy document lists the historical amount the District has levied each year.

The Board will hold a Truth in Taxation hearing at their November meeting.

Board Members discussed the resolution in support of funding seat belts on school buses that school board member delegates will vote on at the 2025 IASB Delegate Assembly.

The Board approved the consent agenda, including meeting minutes, personnel items and bills for payment. They also approved the Treasurer's Report, resolution to authorize a notice of remedy to a support staff member, recommendation to direct the Board delegate to vote to approve the IASB proposed resolution and Constitutional Amendments, and an Intergovernmental Agreement for GIS school safety mapping.

Board Member Rosie Bonar reported that the Finance Committee met on October 6. Board Vice President Kelly Jakymiw provided an update on the TrueNorth Board meeting.