City Partners with School District for Resource Officer

Casey City Council Meeting | March 2, 2026

Article Summary: The City Council formally approved a retroactive intergovernmental agreement with the Casey-Westfield Community Unit School District No. 4C to provide a School Resource Officer (SRO). The agreement splits the officer’s salary and health insurance costs evenly between the two entities.

SRO Agreement Key Points:

• Cost Sharing: The School District pays 50% of the SRO’s compensation and employer health insurance contribution.

• City Responsibilities: The City covers worker’s compensation, unemployment, IMRF, and Social Security costs, and provides the vehicle and equipment.

• Timeline: The agreement is retroactive to January 26, 2026.

• Oversight: The officer remains an employee of the Casey Police Department under the Chief of Police’s supervision.

The Casey City Council on Monday, March 2, 2026, unanimously approved Resolution #030226A, finalizing a partnership with Casey-Westfield Community Unit School District No. 4C to secure a School Resource Officer (SRO).

While the Council had approved the concept at a previous meeting, this resolution formalized the specific Intergovernmental Agreement. Mayor Mike Nichols noted that the School Board had already approved the agreement at their last meeting in February.

“This is just cleaning up loose ends at our court,” Nichols said.

According to the contract details found in the agenda packet, the SRO will be a full-time, regular police officer selected collaboratively by both parties. The officer’s duties include developing crime prevention programs, acting as a resource for administrators, and serving as a positive role model for students.

The financial terms dictate that the School District will reimburse the City for one-half of the officer’s compensation and health insurance. The City retains responsibility for pension contributions (IMRF), Social Security, and providing necessary equipment, including a patrol vehicle.

The agreement emphasizes that the SRO will not handle school discipline, stating, “The SRO shall not be expected to, nor authorized, to discipline any student,” and generally prohibits issuing tickets to students on district property during school hours unless required by the Juvenile Court Act.

The resolution passed with a 4-0 vote.