District 109 superintendent outlines e-learning approach and master facility planning; Wilmot principal search posted

Superintendent Mr. Simic reported to the Deerfield Public Schools District 109 Board on Dec. 12 that the district will prioritize e-learning "whenever possible to avoid making up any days later in the year," and said families should expect notification the day before closures where feasible. He described a recent classroom baking activity featured in a student video and previewed a fifth-grade newspaper that will be mailed to families.

Simic said master facility planning is ongoing and noted an important upcoming meeting with the park district because five of the district's six buildings are on park district land; that coordination is needed to align priorities and shared facility uses as the district considers middle-school and elementary-school renovations or replacements. The superintendent said planning is in early stages and remains flexible.

The Wilmot principal search has been posted, Simic said, and the board thanked retiring Wilmot Principal Dr. Brett for decades of service; an upcoming meeting will honor her. Simic also reminded the community that the holiday gift drive (spearheaded by Dr. Brett) continues through Monday with drop-off locations at schools and the district office.

Simic said staff will continue work on the master facility plan with an eye toward long-term, sustainable leadership for school buildings. No formal board action was taken on facility decisions at the meeting; staff indicated additional public meetings and coordination with the park district are planned.