The BOE Recap

The BOE Recap 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 (June 17, 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.

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

Mr. Simeck previewed an item later on the agenda: Glenbrook District 225's proposed withdrawal from the TrueNorth Educational Cooperative. He said that in keeping with District 109's core value to commit to inclusive practices, more than 90% of our students who receive special education services spend 80% of their time in the general education environment, which is much higher than the state average in the low 50% range.

He explained that there is a financial impact on remaining districts. He shared that D109 currently has a membership cost of $346,107.84 and it's expected to rise.

Mr. Simeck shared that the Referendum Task Force, which has 31 members representing teachers, staff, administrators, families, community members and community partners has held two meetings this spring to tour facilities, understand finances and review possible solutions to address needs. The group will make a recommendation to the Superintendent on the best solution to share with the community in the fall.

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. The Board 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.

No one spoke during the first opportunity for participation. Several people spoke during the second public comment section:

• Tom Denison, District 109 parent, spoke against Moms for Liberty
• Marc Pressley, Deerfield resident, shared concerns about attacks on the District, staff and curriculum
• Alan Rosenfeld, Deerfield resident, shared his worry about the cost to the District of lawsuits
• A student expressed support of the Board and the perspective brought by reading the book Warriors Don't Cry in ELA class
• Brian Lantz, Deerfield resident, spoke against Moms for Liberty
• David Weisberger, District 109 parent, spoke against groups bringing fear to the schools
• Maggie Nodland, District 109 parent, shared appreciation for the District's support of her family
• Layne, member of Gays Against Groomers, spoke against transgender rights
• Meredith, from Defense of Democracy, commended the District's support of all students
• Joseph Kopsick, from Waukegan, said the District should construct separate changing areas for transgender students
• Matthew Flanagan, Deerfield High School graduate, commended the District on the STEM program, and expressed concern for students due to divisiveness

Dr. Filippi presented 17 Freedom of Information Act requests.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Danielle Arnold and a team of teachers gave an update on the review of District 109's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

& Communication Media Arts (CMA) curricula.

Mrs. Arnold gave the Board and administrators a LEGO challenge similar to work that students experience in STEM or CMA. They shared the feedback students provided before starting the curriculum review:

That feedback showed that the curriculum did not need a complete overhaul. The thorough review process took 16 months and led to changes, including the adoption of LEGO Education in elementary schools, as well as updates to technology, and the addition of robotic, coding and other innovation tools. They showed students in action in their classrooms and a testimonial from a former student (current Deerfield High School student) on how STEM/CMA positively impacted him.

Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Joanna Ford shared that the CDP is an annual item that must be approved by both the School Board and ISBE prior to the administration moving forward with submitting any grant applications. It is a road map on how the District plans to use grant funds.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations John Filippi explained the recommendation to replace one of the District's transit vans. Chief Technology Officer RJ BIalk described the proposal to replace 2nd and 5th grade devices and iPads for middle school teachers.

Superintendent Michael Simeck provided detail on Glenbrook District 225's petition to withdraw from TrueNorth. He recommends that the Board votes against their withdrawal, given the negative financial impact on District 109 and the further destabilization of the cooperative.

The Board approved the consent agenda meeting minutes, personnel items, bills for payment and destruction of closed session audio.

Board President Ryan Kuo read a resolution to honor all District 109 staff for Staff Appreciation Week.

The Board approved the 2026-2027 school calendar.

The Board also approved:

• Treasurer's Report
• Amendment to Net56 agreement and extension of USAC firewall agreement
• Resolution regarding purchase of property owned by the Deerfield Park District and the related real estate agreement
• Bid results for life safety work
• ISBE Consolidated District Plan
• The Superintendent's recommendation to oppose District 225's withdrawal from TrueNorth
• Administrator contracts and agreements

Mr. Kuo shared that the new Board's committee assignments would be finished soon. Mrs. Jakymiw reported on the recent True North board meeting.

Board President Ryan Kuo welcomed Cathy Kedjidjian back to the District, and thanked:

• Becky Rudd in helping with the Board transition
• Danielle Arnold and the STEM/CMA team for their presentation
• The student services team for developing the consolidated district plan

Best Question of the Night

Starting a new tradition, he also gave the "Best Question of the Night" award to Board member Mitch Dornfeld for asking, "What does success look like?"