Casey-Westfield School Board Unanimously Adopts FY 2026 Budget

Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Community Unit School District C-4 Board of Education unanimously approved the fiscal year 2026 budget during its meeting on Monday, Sept. 15, following a public hearing where no comments were made by residents. The approval finalizes the district’s financial plan for the upcoming school year.

Casey-Westfield School Board Key Points:

• The Board of Education approved the FY 2026 budget with a unanimous 6-0 vote.

• A public hearing on the tentative budget was held prior to the vote, as required by law.

• No members of the public offered comments or asked questions regarding the proposed budget.

The Casey-Westfield School Board has officially adopted its budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, concluding a planning process that culminated in a unanimous vote of approval on Monday night.

The meeting began with a public hearing at 7:02 p.m., specifically to address the proposed budget. Superintendent Mike Shackelford presented the tentative financial plan for review. Board President Tracy Gelb then opened the floor for public comment, offering community members a final opportunity to ask questions or voice concerns.

With no residents present to speak on the matter, the public hearing was closed at 7:11 p.m. The lack of public feedback suggested general consent or a lack of opposition to the district’s proposed financial direction.

Later in the meeting, the board proceeded to the formal adoption of the budget. Gelb again invited any questions or comments from the board members, and none were raised.

Board member Mike Fouty made the motion to adopt the budget, with Becky Clement providing the second. The motion passed with a 6-0 roll call vote. Voting in favor were President Gelb, Vice President Erin Fain, Secretary Clement, Shane Todd, Lisa Huddlestun, and Fouty. Board member Jason Sharp was absent from the meeting.

The approval marks a key step in preparing for the next school year, setting the financial framework for staffing, curriculum, operations, and other district expenditures. Details of the budget were reviewed in previous meetings and made available to the public prior to Monday’s hearing.