Casey-Westfield Meeting Summary: Board Saves on Insurance, Approves Major Purchases

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education made several significant financial decisions at its June 23, 2025, meeting, including approving a new insurance package that will save over $52,000 and authorizing major purchases to upgrade facilities and maintenance capabilities.

Key Decisions

Major Insurance Savings: The board approved a $163,268 insurance package for property, casualty, cyber liability, and other coverage for the upcoming fiscal year. This represents a savings of $52,258 compared to current premiums, providing a significant boost to the district’s budget.

Tractor Purchase for In-House Maintenance: To reduce reliance on outside contractors, the board approved the $50,000 purchase of a used John Deere compact tractor and attachments. Superintendent Mike Shackelford reported the district spent nearly $23,000 on rental and contractor fees last year for work that can now be done in-house.

Facility Upgrades and Equipment: The board approved over $74,000 in spending for infrastructure. This includes $26,930 for concrete repairs, $36,252 to replace five aging HVAC units at the Jr/Sr High School, and $11,047 for a new double convection oven for the school kitchen.

Amended Budget and Fuel Contract: Following a public hearing with no comments, the board formally adopted the district’s amended fiscal year 2025 budget. It also approved a two-year contract with Bolin Fuels for gasoline, diesel, and oil, locking in fuel prices through fiscal year 2027.

In Other Business

New Cook Hired for Monroe Elementary: The Board of Education approved the employment of Robin Kusterman as a 2-hour Cook at Monroe Elementary for the 2025-2026 school year. The hiring came after the board returned from a closed session to discuss employment matters.

District Approves Facility Use with Simple Blessings: The board authorized a facility use agreement with the organization Simple Blessings. The agreement, which was drafted by the board’s attorney, allows the group to use the gym lobby at Monroe Elementary during emergency situations. The action stemmed from a request made by the organization in May.

Food and Dairy Contracts Awarded: The board accepted sole-source bids for the 2025-2026 school year. Stanz Foodservice will provide bread and bakery products, while Prairie Farms will supply milk and dairy products. Both were the only bidders for their respective contracts. These approvals were part of the board’s consent agenda.

Administrator Updates on Summer Projects and Buses: Principals Jim Sullivan and Kacie Rhoads reported that summer maintenance and construction work at the Jr/Sr High School and Monroe Elementary are progressing. Superintendent Mike Shackelford added that work at Roosevelt is nearly complete and that the district took possession of a new bus on June 10, with planning already underway for a future bus purchase for the 2026-2027 school year.

Routine Policies and Agreements Pass: As part of a large consent agenda, the board approved several routine items. These included continuing the Health Life Safety nickel levy to fund safety and repair projects, renewing student teaching agreements with Eastern Illinois University and Indiana State University, and adopting minor board policy updates as recommended by PRESS issue #118.