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 (December 18, 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.

South Park Principal Marcie Faust and Library Information Specialist Kelly Jahng introduced South Park students who created plans for an independent Let Grow activity. Students shared their experiences, and how they felt doing something independently. One parent explained her "Let go" experience in watching her child grow in her independence. Another shared that "Let Grow" has become part of their family's vocabulary.

This initiative aligns with the resolution the Board passed in August in support of Stronger Together Deerfield. One of the action items the resolution lays out is for the District 109 elementary schools to implement Let Grow.

Board President Ryan Kuo shared that the purpose of the hearing is to seek public comment on the District's 2025 Tax Levy, which will fund the 2026-2027 school year. There were no public comments on the levy.

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

Superintendent Simeck attended recent band and orchestra concerts, and said that he is always impressed to see the growth in the students as the year goes on. He says he loves to watch the parents watch their children.

Mr. Simeck shared that the Board and administration will attend the statewide education conference to attend learning sessions in topics such as school finance. Board President Ryan Kuo will represent the District at the delegate assembly, which is the advocacy aspect of the conference.

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. The following community members spoke:

• Michael Livschutz, resident of Deerfield, praised Deerfield schools, but shared that he does not support the referendum because of the impact on taxpayers.
• Joseph Kopsick, who is not a member of the Deerfield community, spoke about traumatic events from his childhood.

Chief Communications Officer Cathy Kedjidjian shared that, throughout September and October, more than 450 community members attended information sessions either in person or virtually, with another 150 views of the recorded virtual session. Two mailers and a public opinion survey were sent to almost 8,000 registered voter households. In addition, a text reminder went out to take the survey. Polling closes on November 22, though any surveys received by December 1 will be included in the analysis. The survey will help the Board understand the community's feelings about the possible referendum.

Board members shared the feedback they heard at those sessions or out in the community. They stressed that the feedback is important, as there have been no decisions made. Board President Ryan Kuo said that the Board does believe that doing nothing is not an option, so the feedback will help them make an informed decision. They said that they often pointed community members to the Asked and Answered page.

The Referendum Task Force will meet in December to review community input and make a recommendation. The Board will vote whether or not to place a referendum on the March 17, 2026 ballot at the December 18, 2025 meeting.

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

Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations John Filippi said that the Finance Committee met before the regular meeting and the lead auditor presented the audit. The District received the highest opinion for a clean audit.

Dr. Filippi explained that the District applies for this grant annually. We can receive up to $50K from the state if we have $100K of qualifying projects.

This system would provide a cybersecurity improvements.

Superintendent Mike Simeck explained that, at this time, there is no membership fee to remain in the coop this year, so Mr. Simeck recommends the District rescind the previously approved resolution to withdraw from TrueNorth as of July 1, 2026. However, he said that there are outstanding questions in considering the District's future status. Board Vice President Kelly Jackymiw gave an update from the TrueNorth board meeting, stating new articles of agreement were adopted last night to change the governance structure.

The Board approved the consent agenda, including meeting minutes, personnel items and bills for payment. They also approved the Treasurer's Report, recommendation to accept the FY25 audit and the resolution to rescind the District's withdrawal from TrueNorth.

The Board approved three resolutions relating to the tax levy:

• The Aggregate Levy for 2025
• The Supplemental Tax Levy to Pay Principal & Interest on Outstanding Limited Bonds
• The Levy for Special Education Purposes