March 24, 2025 - Board Brief
Board President, Mrs. Caitlin Sendaydiego, welcomed everyone to the Board’s September meeting. The meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m. No public comment attendees were present.
Board President’s Report
Mrs. Sendaydiego welcomed and congratulated the student placers of the recent Brookfield Zoo Science Fair, highlighting the dedication of both students and parents in their success. She also warmly welcomed the eight D101 staff members and their families in attendance who were recommended for tenure, noting that we would soon learn more about these outstanding educators.
Superintendent’s Report
Brookfield Science Fair Winners
Dr. Coffey introduced Science Fair coaches Anna Monahan and Denise Kaleel, who then introduced the student scientists who placed at the recent Brookfield Zoo Regional Science Fair. Each student was presented along with their winning project, and the audience gave them a warm round of applause.
Staff Recommended for Tenure
Dr. Coffey welcomed the eight teachers present to celebrate their commitment to excellence at D101. She praised their dedication to instruction and student services, noting they have achieved a level of accomplishment that is not guaranteed, but earned in D101. The eight teachers, who were introduced and later awarded tenure by the Board of Education, are:
Brad Clark-Forest Hills/Physical Education Teacher
Ellie DiGiulio-Forest Hills/Social Worker
Jessica Wesson-Laidlaw/4th Grade Teacher
Jessica Meyer-McClure/Social Worker
Monique Martinez-Laidlaw & McClure/Speech Language Pathologist
Deanna Markos-McClure/Language Arts Teacher
Dina Castillo-McClure/Physical Education Teacher
Suzanne Osterheld-McClure/Language Arts Teacher
Entering Kindergarten Cohort Numbers
Dr. Coffey updated the Board of the projected enrollment numbers for next year’s kindergarten class, which are as follows: Field Park-52, Forest Hills-35, and Laidlaw-72, totaling 159 students. She also noted that the Board will continue to receive regular updates at the upcoming monthly meetings.
Action Items Approved by the Board
The Board awarded tenure to Brad Clark, Ellie DiGiulio, Jessica Wesson, Jessica Meyer, Monique Martinez, Deanna Markos, Dina Castillo and Suzanne Osterheld.
The Board accepted the resignations of Sarah Hughes and Nathan Cover effective at the conclusion of the school year.
The Board approved a Resolution to Dismiss Part-Time Certified Staff, as is part of an annual set of practices recommended by legal counsel.
The Board approved the employment of certified staff: Patrick Duncan, Interim Director of Student Services (25-26), Mariclaire Lynch, 1.0 Social Worker, Laidlaw (25-26) and Laura Kalal, Long Term Substitute at Forest Hills (24-25).
The Board made a motion to establish Thursday, May 29, 2025 as the 2024 - 2025 McClure graduation date.
The Board made a motion to establish Thursday, June 3, 2025 as the last day of school for the 2024 - 2025 school year.
The Board approved a resolution authorizing participation in “The Fund” (an investment pool recommended by PMA, specifically intended for IL school districts).
Additional Items Discussed by the Board of Education
Board President, Mrs. Sendaydiego, stated that in light of the Board’s desire for all students to feel safe, the Board would like to direct the administration to update the student handbook as appropriate to be gym uniform optional.
Mrs. Burger answered questions of the Board regarding the planned adoption of Panorama, a data management platform designed to integrate multiple data sources into an easy-to-use system.
The Board engaged in a discussion regarding the DuPage West Cook Agreement that will be brought to the Board for approval at the April Board of Education meeting.
The Board discussed onboarding, timelines, and processes anticipated as part of transition planning for new Board of Education members.
Past Board Briefs