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 (February 19, 2026).

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 introduced the band, orchestra and choir teachers from Caruso and Shepard whose students auditioned and were selected for the ILMEA Junior Honors Band, Choir and Orchestra Ensembles (including one student selected for the all-state band). They explained the process - including the hard work and commitment - required of students to reach this achievement. One musician shared that one of his primary motivations in trying to achieve this accomplishment was the feeling of succeeding after going out of his comfort zone.

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

In light of the decision to move to an e-Learning day on Friday due to extreme temperatures, Mr. Simeck explained the decision-making process he follows in determining if schools are open for in-person learning, schools shift to remote learning or if schools are closed (a traditional "snow day"). He shared that the District coordinates with other local districts, the Village and our transportation provider.

He shared that, because of issues with our aging HVAC system, we have to consider the schools' ability to maintain acceptable temperatures. For example, on Tuesday, several systems failed when it was 5 degrees outside, and at the start of school, some classrooms – for our youngest learners – were 58 degrees.

He said that using an e-learning day keeps us from having to make up days later, either switching to an attendance day on one of our mid-year days off, or adding a day at the end of the school year.

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.

Ryan Keesbury, D109 parent, shared his professional experience in facility management and recommended that District 109 fund a facility management position and volunteered his expertise to help the District.

Cathy Kedjidjian shared that they have presented information to staff and to small groups, including the PTO presidents council. The first community-wide presentation was held at Walden on Tuesday. Upcoming presentations include:

• Saturday, January 24 at 10:30am at South Park: Designed for Early Learners / Other Preschool Families
• Tuesday, January 27 at South Park: 6:00pm building tour; 7:00pm presentation; 8:00pm gallery walk and questions answered
• Thursday, January 29 at noon, Virtual Lunch & Learn: Registration
• Thursday, January 29 at Wilmot: 6:00pm building tour; 7:00pm presentation; 8:00pm gallery walk and questions answered

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

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Dale Fisher presented the following policies, reviewed by the Policy Committee last month, for the Board's first reading: 2:120, 2:150, 2:270, 3:10, 3:50, 3:60, 4:10, 4:30, 4:80, 4:110, 4:140, 4:150, 4:160, 4:170, 4:190, 5:10, 5:20, 5:90, 5:100, 5:120, 5:185, 5:190, 5:200, 5:220, 5:280, 5:300.

The Board considered the schedule of regular Board meeting dates for the 2026-2027 school year.

The Board approved the consent agenda, including meeting minutes, personnel items, bills for payment and destruction of closed session audio. The Board also approved the Treasurer's Report and the the school boundary designation for VennPoint Development.

The Policy and Executive Development Committees met before the regular meeting. Mr. Simeck gave an update on the TrueNorth meeting.

Board Vice President Kelly Jakymiw expressed appreciation to the staff for the work to manage an e-learning day.