The Casey-Westfield school district is investing in its own maintenance capabilities with the purchase of a compact tractor, a move officials say will reduce costly rentals and contractor fees for years to come.

The Board of Education on Monday approved the $50,000 purchase of a used John Deere 4066R tractor complete with a range of attachments. Superintendent Mike Shackelford recommended the purchase, telling the board that the district spent nearly $23,000 in the last year alone on renting equipment or hiring outside contractors for jobs its own maintenance team could have performed if properly equipped.

“The purchase of a tractor, with the proper implements, will provide those means and provide potential savings into the future,” Shackelford stated in his recommendation.

The approved purchase includes a cab, a clamshell loader bucket, pallet forks, a box blade, and a scraper blade, giving the district’s maintenance staff the tools to handle a diverse array of tasks in-house. Shackelford noted the specific tractor identified for purchase is “like new,” with only 110 hours of use, and has been properly shed kept. He estimated the district saved approximately $20,000 by purchasing the used equipment package instead of a brand-new outfit.

The district currently lacks the means to carry out many of its maintenance needs, forcing its reliance on third-party services. By bringing this work in-house, the board aims to see a tangible return on its investment through reduced operational spending.

Board President Tracy Gelb inquired about storage for the new equipment. Shackelford confirmed that space would be made for the tractor in the maintenance building located at the Jr/Sr High School.

The motion to purchase the John Deere tractor was made by board member Jason Sharp and seconded by Mike Fouty. It passed with unanimous support from all members present. The investment is part of a broader focus on facility upkeep and operational efficiency, which also saw the board approve tens of thousands of dollars in concrete repairs and HVAC upgrades during the same meeting.