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 here and look for minutes to be posted after they are approved at the next regular BOE meeting (August 21, 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. Due to technical difficulties, sound is not available on the recording for the first 15 minutes of the meeting.

Chief Communications Officer Cathy Kedjidjian introduced Stronger Together Deerfield, a collaborative, community-wide initiative open to all organizations that serve and support the people of Deerfield. An offshoot of the community conversations over the last year, and a result of discussions of the Village of Deerfield Community Relations Commission, the goal is to create a unifying message that strengthens community connections and fosters well-being, resilience and shared purpose — particularly for the children and families in Deerfield.

All municipal and civic organizations in Deerfield will have the opportunity to be a part of the initiative. The Board will pass a resolution in support of Stronger Together at the August meeting.

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

Mr. Simeck previewed important dates for the start of school:

• August 4: Class Placements for Grades 1-8

• August 6-12: New Educator Orientation

• August 14:

• Class Placements for Kindergarten

• First Day for Staff

• Parent and Family Program with Molly Kennedy, 6:30-8pm

• First Day for Students: August 18 (Half Day)

He highlighted that author and speaker Molly Kennedy will be the keynote speaker at the staff kickoff event on August 14, and also will lead a family event that evening from 6:30-8pm at Caruso.

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. The BOE Recap provides a summary of the topics addressed by those who speak; the meeting recording, above, provides a full recording of comments from the community.

In the second period for public comment, Joseph Kopsick, who is not a member of the Deerfield community, shared his views about the District's budget, the Anxious Generation programs and the District's locker rooms and bathrooms.

Superintendent Mike Simeck introduced a comprehensive update on the District’s facilities, finances, and future planning efforts under the banner of Redefine 109. This initiative aims to share information with and gather feedback from the community to inform a long-term solution to address aging and failing infrastructure, growing space needs and modern learning environments.

Much of the presentation focused on the significant challenges facing District 109's elementary schools, most of which were built in the 1950s and have reached the end of their useful life. Issues include failing mechanical systems, safety concerns, inadequate and overcrowded learning spaces, and accessibility barriers. Middle schools also face pressing needs, including HVAC and roof replacements. While enrollment has remained stable, changing educational needs, such as increased in-district services and the need for flexible learning environments, have increased demand for functional space.

The Board reviewed the work of the Referendum Task Force, a representative group of parents and family members, staff and community members and leaders who met throughout the spring to study the issues and explore viable solutions. Community member and former D109 Board of Education President Nick Begley and South Park Principal Dr. Marcie Faust described their experience as Task Force members and presented the recommendation the group made to the Superintendent. The Task Force unanimously recommended moving forward with the “2+2 Plan,” which includes building two new elementary schools (Walden and Wilmot), renovating the other two (Kipling and South Park), and updating both middle schools. The plan’s estimated cost is $245 million, with a projected tax impact of approximately $539 per $10,000 in property taxes.

Looking ahead, the District will engage the community through in-person and virtual information sessions, videos and digital outreach. In December, the Board will review the results of this engagement and public opinion research before deciding whether to place a referendum on the March 17, 2026 ballot.

Community members are encouraged to visit www.dps109.org/redefine to learn more, follow updates, and share feedback.

Dr. Filippi presented five Freedom of Information Act requests.

This resolution, which will be on the August meeting for action, will allow the District to transfer $200,000 from the Education Fund to the Debt Service Fund to pay bond principal and interest on general obligation limited school bonds.

Business Manager Bennett Kostecki presented the District 109 tentative FY2026 budget. He outlined the budget timeline:

• November 2024: Tax levy filed with Lake County

• April 2, 2025: Tax levy approved and extended by Lake County Clerk

• June 17, 2025: Tentative budget reviewed by Finance Committee

• July 24, 2025: Tentative budget presented to BOE

• August 21, 2025 a public hearing, then final budget to BOE for approval

• September 2025: Budget on file with the state

He provided an overview of the sources of revenue and expenses (96% comes from local sources, 3% from the state and 1% from the federal government), and explained that this budget will be the 21st consecutive operating budget for the District.

The Board approved the consent agenda meeting minutes, personnel items, Treasurer's report, D109-Park District one-year IGA extension and bills for payment.

Board Member Mitch Dornfeld reported that the Policy Committee before the Regular Board meeting; the committee reviewed a large number of policies.