- Deerfield Public Schools District 109
- What is Define 109?

-
Define 109 is an initiative to refresh the mission and vision of Deerfield Public Schools District 109, and then create a strategic plan to get us where we want to go. In this listening phase, we want to hear from you. The voice of every student, staff member, parent/guardian, and community member matters in forming this definition.
In October, survey feedback was collected from hundreds of middle school students and our staff. We held one virtual and three in-person community feedback opportunities as well. In November we launched the first of two ThoughtExchange opportunities that will help shape the vision work that lies ahead. The second ThoughtExchange question was launched in December based on the results of feedback collected.
Now in 2022, we are shifting to the drafting phase of Define 109. A study session will be held by the Board of Education on January 21st to evaluate the feedback thus far and begin to draft our refreshed mission and vision.
Thank you for your devotion and passion to the students of this district and for the important role you will play in helping Define 109.
-
Where We Are Now (Mar): Feedback & Revision of Draft Mission & Vision
-
What Happens Next: Final Mission & Vision Presented at March BOE Meeting Scheduled for Thursday 3/17
Define 109 Timeline
-
8/5 - Board of Education hears three proposals during special meeting from possible consulting firms
8/26 - Board of Education approves the proposal submitted by Eklund Consulting and recommended by the superintendent
-
9/23 - Update on Define 109 at Board of Education meeting
-
10/5 - Define 109 branding emerges; 109 News distributed with introduction video, information & sign-ups on community & staff feedback sessions
10/13 - All-school student feedback opportunity completed at Shepard Middle School
10/20 - All-school student feedback opportunity completed at Caruso Middle School
10/20 - Building leadership feedback group (principals & assistant principals) held at Caruso Middle School
10/21 - Virtual community feedback opportunity held via Zoom
10/27 - In-person community feedback sessions held at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. at District Office
10/28 - Todd Battaglia from Eklund Consulting provides in-person update at the Board of Education meeting about student surveys, progress of project
-
11/3 - All-staff Define 109 survey given during early release meetings at all six buildings
11/10 - First ThoughtExchange question opened to the community
11/18 - Mr. Simeck provides brief Define 109 update at Board of Education meeting
11/19 - First ThoughtExchange closed at 5 p.m.
-
12/8 - Second ThoughtExchange question open to community
12/16 - Define 109 update at Board of Education meeting
12/17 - Second ThoughtExchange closed
-
January 20: Study session meets to discuss feedback from all stakeholder groups & begin the mission/vision writing process
-
2/17/22 - Draft of mission and vision presented to BOE
2/22/22 - Mr. Simeck workshops mission & vision with staff during Institute Day
-
3/17/22 - Final mission & vision slated to be presented to BOE