Casey-Westfield Board Approves Major Technology Upgrades, Facility Improvements

The Casey-Westfield School Board approved significant technology and facility upgrades totaling more than $76,000 during Monday’s meeting, while also addressing multiple personnel changes as the district prepares for summer construction projects.

The board unanimously approved a $36,800 E-Rate networking project from Quality Networking Solutions that will provide complete network upgrades for the junior/senior high school and Roosevelt Elementary. The total project cost of $122,618 benefits from 70% federal E-Rate funding ($85,832), requiring only a 30% district match.

“The project will consist of a complete network upgrade for the Jr/Sr HS and Roosevelt,” Superintendent Mike Shackelford reported, highlighting the significant federal funding that makes the comprehensive upgrade affordable for the district.

Athletic facilities received attention with the board approving a $39,655 football scoreboard replacement from Daktronics, including installation. Although the scoreboard was scheduled for replacement in 2026, aging coax cables connecting different sections caused reliability problems last fall.

“The issue is the coax cables that connect the different sections of the board are aged and are losing connection, causing parts of the scoreboard to go dark,” Shackelford explained, noting they were able to “limp through the football season” but needed immediate replacement.

The board approved posting the amended FY 2025 budget for public display beginning May 20, with a public hearing scheduled for June 23 at 7:00 p.m., ensuring community transparency in the budget amendment process.

Significant personnel changes were approved following a 55-minute executive session. The board accepted multiple resignations including PE/Health/Driver Education teacher Josh Roberts, who also served as junior high athletic director; kindergarten teacher Lisa Sackrider; district music/choir instructor Ivy Schmidt; and two Title I interventionists.

Key personnel appointments include Ryan High’s reassignment from high school physical education to health and driver education teacher plus district athletic director; Dakota Strange’s transition from Title I interventionist to junior/senior high physical education teacher; and Chelsey Cox’s appointment as head coach for high school girls’ basketball.

Summer construction activities will significantly impact district operations. Both cafeterias/kitchens will close for asbestos abatement June 2-17, while the Agriculture/Industrial Arts Building will be without power most of the summer during electrical service upgrades from single-phase to three-phase power.

Major facility improvements scheduled include new transformer installation, exterior service box placement, new breaker boxes for agriculture and industrial arts shops, and a new dust collection system for the industrial arts shop in early June. Roofing projects and HVAC work in the high school gym and Monroe Elementary wings will follow.

The district received a request from Simple Blessings to use Monroe Elementary’s gym lobby as an emergency shelter during natural disasters. The request will be reviewed by the board’s attorney before formal consideration.

Student achievements highlighted the meeting, with four Lady Warriors advancing to state track competition: Audrey Goble (100m hurdles), Kaitlyn McKinney (400m run), Kayla Clark (3200m run), and the 4x800m relay team. The track team placed sixth out of 16 teams at sectionals.

A Student Council blood drive exceeded expectations, collecting 41 pints against a 22-pint goal, earning praise from nursing staff for student behavior and the facility’s appearance.