Casey-Westfield Schools Earn Perfect Financial Rating, Approve Major Purchases

The Casey-Westfield School District received the highest possible financial profile rating and a clean audit for fiscal year 2024, while also approving significant equipment purchases and personnel changes during Monday’s board meeting.

Heather Beard of Kemper CPA Group presented the district’s annual financial report, announcing that Casey-Westfield earned a perfect 4.0/4.0 financial profile score from the state. The rating represents the highest financial recognition a school district can achieve and reflects exceptional fiscal management.

“The District has received a financial profile of 4.0/4.0, which is the highest profile a district can earn,” Beard reported, also noting that the audit found no findings on federal funding expenditures during the year.

Superintendent Mike Shackelford credited Business Manager Dee Scott for her work on the fiscal year 2024 budget that led to the recognition. The clean audit and perfect rating position the district favorably for future funding opportunities and demonstrate strong financial stewardship to the community.

The board approved two major equipment purchases totaling more than $132,000. A specialized 2025 Chrysler Voyager minivan with BraunAbility wheelchair lift system was approved at a cost of $66,362, funded through the federal IDEA Flow-Through grant and purchased under state bid contracts.

Additionally, the board authorized entering into a guaranteed energy savings contract with GRP/Wegman, which will implement energy efficiency improvements that pay for themselves through reduced utility costs over time.

Personnel changes dominated the employment discussion, with the board accepting resignations from junior high boys track coach Terrance Yates and high school Spanish teacher Beth Reynolds, whose resignation is effective at the end of the current school year.

The board approved several new hires including Lindsey Shawver as 6th grade science teacher for 2025-2026, Heather Lee as junior high track coach, and Garett Kemper as high school boys tennis coach. Additionally, Jennifer Winschief was hired as district secretary/transportation secretary, and Brandi Sharp as junior/senior high health professional for the remainder of the school year.

Internal reassignments were also approved, with first grade teacher Tanya Duniphan moving to elementary special education for 2025-2026, and Brette Cummins transitioning from district secretary to financial assistant/bookkeeper/IMRF authorized agent beginning February 1.

The board conducted a public hearing on renewing the full-day School Improvement waiver, which allows the district to use four full days instead of six half-days for professional development. Teachers Jennifer Harris and Sara Richardson spoke in support of the renewal, citing scheduling benefits for both staff and families.

Academic and extracurricular programs continue showing strong activity across all grade levels. Monroe Elementary Principal Kacie Rhoads reported successful programs including a 25-member 5th/6th grade choir preparing for May performances and a recent educational assembly with Duncan Kirkwood.

Junior/Senior High Principal Jim Sullivan highlighted diverse academic activities from social studies projects comparing European and American governments to creative English book reports featuring skits, talk shows, and artwork. The high school is preparing for the senior trip March 4-6 and “Annie Jr.” musical performances in late February.

The district is also planning calendar changes for 2025-2026, with Superintendent Shackelford presenting two options for board consideration and final approval expected in February.