What Are Deerfield’s Top 10 School Stories of 2012?

The schools in Deerfield have been a hot topic this year, and Deerfield Patch has been there to cover it all.

Here we recap the top 10 school-related stories of the year, with the most read topic by far in 2012 being the labor negotiations between Deerfield Public School District109 and the Deerfield Education Association teachers' union.

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Patch has listed the most read story and column on the subject, though there were many. The links for the top 10, listed in order, are as follows:

1.

After the Union voted for a strike, and board called the vote scare tactics, more than 600 people came out to a board meeting as parents urged both sides to come together to settle their disagreements.

2. Deerfield Students Adjust to Prom Date Switch

Deerfield High School switches the date of prom to April 21 amid safety concerns over the G8 summit in Chicago.

3. DHS Ranks No. 1 in Suburbs

The school edged out New Trier in rankings based on the Illinois School Report Cards published in the Fall.

4. 109 Acts to Dismiss Tenured Teacher

The school board dismisses Stephanie Horwitz without pay amid her claims they wouldn’t make accommodations for a medical condition.

5.

School board and union are urged to come to a consensus on teacher evaluations.

6. Photo Gallery: Class of 2012 Graduates

Many of you spotted yourselves, or your family, in these photos of the graduation ceremony at Ravinia Festival.

7. Chicago Bears Honor Deerfield Teachers

Hollis Axelrod and Julie Witczak get a surprise honor from the Bears.

8. Deerfield High School Ranked Best in Lake County

The high school and two elementary schools are ranked high after a survey in Chicago Magazine.

9. 109 Board Grills Staff on Resource Periods

Board and staff try to come to terms over resources periods for students.

10. 109 Air Conditioning Project Progresses

Board discusses putting air conditioning in Deerfield schools.

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