Safety & Security in Our Schools
At Deerfield Public Schools District 109, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is a top priority. While we cannot share specific details publicly to maintain the integrity of our comprehensive safety plan, please rest assured that we are committed to safeguarding our students, staff and school community. District 109 collaborates closely with our community partners to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone. We have a dedicated School Resource Officer who works throughout our schools and a Director of Safety and Security floats between District 109 buildings, Bannockburn School District 106, and North Shore School District 112.
The District undergoes regular assessments conducted by a trusted third-party organization to help us implement appropriate, effective safety measures.
The District maintains a strong and positive working relationship with the Deerfield Police Department and the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Department. You can see these connections throughout the school year at philanthropy events, teaching moments, fun rides to school and more. We value the trust and support of our community, and together, we are committed to fostering a secure and nurturing environments for everyone at Deerfield Public Schools.
Standard Response Protocol
District 109 follows the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP) when responding to emergency or crisis situation. This approach ensures consistent, clear communication during emergencies. The SRP emphasizes five key actions: hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate, shelter.
We will continually define and reinforce these terms so they become a common part of our community's language. Posters are displayed throughout our schools as a reminder of this protocol, and all staff have been trained on these procedures.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Director of Safety and Security Solvei Jurmu.
Our Safety & Security Team
Director of Safety & Security Solvei Jurmu
Solvei Jurmu is the Director of Safety and Security, a shared position with North Shore School District 112 and Bannockburn School District 106. She brings extensive law enforcement experience to the role, having retired after a distinguished career as a police officer in Wilmette. She oversees the three districts' safety and security planning and implementation, training and interdistrict communication.
Student Resource Officer Lauren Maldonado
Officer Maldonado has been with the Deerfield Police Department for almost six years. Before joining DPD, she was a 4th-grade teacher in North Chicago. While visiting each building, Officer Maldonado looks forward to seeing the friendly faces of students and staff throughout the day. Establishing a sense of safety for the 109 community is her priority; her presence and strong relationships with our community have helped improve that level of safety.
More Safety Information
State-Required Drills
Illinois requires school districts to practice the following drills each school year. One of the evacuation drills must include the participation of your local fire department:
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Three Fire Evacuation Drills
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One Bus Evacuation Drill
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One Shelter in Place (i.e. tornado or inclement weather)
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One Law Enforcement Drill
These drills will not come as a surprise; principals communicate with families when these drills will be conducted.