Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board for December 15, 2025

Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board Meeting | December 15, 2025

The Casey-Westfield Community Unit School District C-4 Board of Education met on Monday, December 15, 2025, to address financial planning and district operations. The meeting was headlined by the approval of the 2025 Tax Levy Resolution following a public hearing where residents discussed the burden of property taxes. Additionally, the Board moved to update student transportation by securing a lease for nine new buses.

Administrators provided updates on academic progress, including ACT preparation for juniors and fundraising successes at Monroe Elementary. The Board also handled personnel matters and policy updates before adjourning.

Early Bird Class Discussion:
Board member Mike Fouty inquired about the start time for the Early Bird class schedule, noting it begins later than the actual class time. Junior/Senior High Principal Jim Sullivan confirmed the schedule could be changed. Sullivan and the Board discussed the benefits of the Early Bird program, highlighting the added opportunities it provides students for taking dual credit courses.

Employment Actions:
The Board voted to employ Megan Wilson as the Elementary Music Teacher for Monroe Elementary for the 2026-2027 school year, pending the completion of qualifications and background checks. Additionally, the Board accepted the resignation of Janet Sidwell as a district bus driver, effective Friday, December 5, 2025.

Monroe Elementary Updates:
Principal Kacie Rhoads reported that the recent Oakland Noodle fundraiser was a success, raising $6,500 for the BRAVE program. Incentive trips for the BRAVE program are scheduled for December 17 and 18 at the Paris Theater. Academically, Kindergarten and second-grade students recently studied the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and held their own balloon parade, while fifth graders are studying the American Revolution.

Junior/Senior High Activities:
Principal Jim Sullivan reported that the junior class has begun ACT preparation using a combination of strategies including On-to-College and math statistics. In the arts, the High School Choir will hold a Christmas concert on December 14, and the Christmas Jazz Concert is scheduled for December 18 at the Nazarene Church. Sullivan also noted that the Booster Club is purchasing a retractable United States Flag for the gym, with installation planned for the summer.

Superintendent Report:
Superintendent Mike Shackelford informed the Board that the district is at the halfway point for Fiscal Year 2026 and that state funding under the Evidence-Based Funding Model remains consistent. He also reported that Casey-Westfield High School students have been invited to participate in the Cumberland County CEO program at no cost to the district. Shackelford noted the receipt of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from CT Mills regarding employee data.

2026 Meeting Schedule:
The Board approved the schedule of regular Board of Education meetings for 2026. Meetings will typically be held on the third Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Unit Office Building.

Policy Updates:
The Board conducted a second reading and adopted Board Policy updates as presented by PRESS issue #120. The motion passed unanimously.