Casey-Westfield Board Approves $100,000+ in Technology and Facility Upgrades

The Casey-Westfield School Board approved more than $100,000 in technology purchases and facility improvements during Monday’s meeting, while also addressing administrative cost limitations and preparing for new board member transitions.

The largest single purchase involved 150 Acer 511 Chromebooks with licenses at a cost of $43,665 from Konica-Minolta All Covered. Superintendent Mike Shackelford reported the winning bid significantly undercut competitors Two-Trees Technologies ($55,950) and CDW-G ($51,275), representing substantial savings for the district.

Additional major purchases included $39,036 for maintenance and custodial supplies from Lorenze Supply of Mattoon, beating competitors HD Supply ($45,000) and Hillyard ($50,000), and $15,336 for copy/printer paper from Contract Paper Group for the 2025-2026 school year.

Facility improvements received attention with the board approving $8,680 for gym floor refinishing at Monroe, Roosevelt, and the junior/senior high from D&K Bennett, Inc. The company’s bid was substantially lower than competitors Haflich Hardwoods ($16,981) and Pike Systems ($16,580), while providing proven quality work for other area districts.

The board conducted a public hearing on a proposed waiver of state administrative cost limitations for 2024-2025. Administrative costs exceeded the typical 5% increase threshold because the district employed a full-time superintendent rather than the part-time interim position used in fiscal year 2024.

Representatives from GRP/Wegman, Laura Weber and Christian Brown, provided updates on upcoming construction work at both Monroe Elementary and the junior/senior high school as part of the previously approved improvement projects funded through the bond issue.

Significant personnel changes were approved, including accepting resignations from Title I Interventionist Jalyn Chrysler, custodian Zach Kuhn, baseball assistant coach Mike Brandenburg, and girls basketball head coach Josh Roberts. The board approved reassigning classroom aide Kristy Redman to Title I Interventionist for 2025-26 and hired Cole Borders and Jeff Schnetzler as high school social studies teachers.

Bond funding reached a major milestone with the Series 2025 HLS Bonds closing held April 15, with proceeds deposited at Casey State Bank and fully collateralized according to bank confirmation.

The district is preparing for board transitions following recent elections. Superintendent Shackelford reported receiving certification results from Clark County, with certifications expected from Cumberland, Coles, Jasper, and Crawford counties in coming days. A special meeting to seat new board members must occur by May 11, with May 5 at 7:00 p.m. discussed as a possible date.

Budget performance through three quarters shows the district running slightly under budget, indicating continued strong financial management that contributed to the district’s perfect 4.0/4.0 financial rating achieved earlier this year.

Student achievements continue across multiple areas, with the ACES team’s Zoe Miller placing fifth in biology and first in English at state competition at Eastern Illinois University. Eight students participated in “Math Madness,” an online competition against schools nationwide, achieving a 2-4 record against primarily private and charter school competition.