Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey-Westfield Board of Education for Jan. 26, 2026

Casey-Westfield Board of Education Meeting | Jan. 26, 2026

The Casey-Westfield Board of Education met on Monday, January 26, 2026, to handle annual financial business and personnel matters. The Board accepted a clean audit for fiscal year 2024 from Kemper CPA Group, noting that while the district’s financial profile score dipped slightly due to a bond issue, it remains in the highest “Recognition” category. In personnel actions, the Board accepted the resignation of Head Football Coach Jeff Frichtnicht and Junior High Special Education teacher Geoffrey Clarkson. An updated agreement with the City of Casey Police Department for the School Resource Officer was also approved.

Draft School Calendar Presented:
Superintendent Mike Shackelford presented a draft of the potential 2026-2027 School Calendar to the Board. The draft was created with the assistance of the CWEA Calendar committee. Shackelford noted that the final, official calendar will be presented for Board approval at the February meeting.

Monroe Elementary Upcoming Events:
Monroe Principal Kacie Rhoads reported several upcoming events for the elementary school. The “Soup-er Bowl” Can Food Drive will take place February 2-6 to support the local food pantry. Additionally, the PTO will host a “Wicked” themed Daddy-Daughter Dance on February 21, and WNBA player Rushia Brown will visit as a Sports World speaker on February 24.

Industrial Arts Students Restore Furniture:
Carpentry 2 students completed a community service project by resurfacing two tables for the Monroe Elementary cafeteria. The project utilized epoxy products, teaching students new pouring techniques and how to repurpose furniture. Additionally, student Drew Stutesman restored the “Scoville Groothuis Award,” returning it to Athletic Director Coach High.

Curriculum Highlights:
Principals reported on several unique classroom activities. At the Junior/Senior High, students in Mrs. Seaton’s Applied Language Arts classes are analyzing the film Coach Carter to study leadership and personal responsibility. At Monroe Elementary, fifth graders in Ms. Roseberry’s class are learning about the U.S. government and will soon hold a “cookie election” to demonstrate how the electoral college works.

FOIA Requests Received:
Superintendent Shackelford informed the Board that the district received Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from several entities, including the Illinois Retired Teachers’ Association, CT Mills, Smartprocure, Judiciocracy.com, and Owen Wang of the East Central News Reporter.