Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey-Westfield School Board for Feb. 23, 2026
Casey-Westfield School Board Meeting | Feb. 23, 2026
The Casey-Westfield Community Unit School District 4C Board of Education met on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Unit Office. The meeting time was moved to 5:00 p.m. to accommodate a regional basketball game. The Board focused on setting the calendar for the upcoming school years, approving administrative salaries, and hiring new staff.
Brief Title: Arts Hall Gets New Sound System
Board President Tracy Gelb announced via an addendum that the Arts Hall has been equipped with a new sound system. The upgrade was funded through a donation from Blattner Energy. Gelb noted that the drama cast was excited to test the new equipment during their rehearsal later that evening.
Brief Title: Masonic Lodge Donates to Art Program
The Board voted to accept a $1,000 donation from the Casey Masonic Lodge #442. The funds are designated for Elementary Art Supplies. The Masonic Lodge also continues to sponsor the “Bikes for Books” program at Monroe Elementary, where 3rd through 5th graders have already read and tested on 2,278 books five weeks into the program.
Brief Title: Upcoming Events and Testing
Principals noted several important upcoming dates. The “Read-A-Thon” at Monroe kicks off on March 2, coinciding with Read Across America Week. Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for March 12 and 13. State testing (IAR) is scheduled for April 8-13, and the High School Prom will be held on April 25.
Brief Title: Bikes for Books Success
Monroe Elementary students are reading at a rapid pace for the “Bikes for Books” program sponsored by the Casey Masonic Lodge. According to the building report, 3rd through 5th graders have taken and passed 2,278 Accelerated Reader (AR) tests in just the first five weeks of the program. Students earn a ticket for every test passed during their library rotation times for a chance to win a bike.
Brief Title: Social Studies Essay Contest
Junior High social studies students are participating in a local writing challenge titled “The Big 250: Casey Celebrates America.” Created by the City of Casey, the contest asks students to write about what America means to them through the lens of family traditions, community service, and local history. The contest will award first, second, and third-place prizes.
Brief Title: 100th Day of School Celebrated
Kindergarten students at Monroe Elementary marked a major milestone on February 14—the 100th day of school. The celebration included a parade and various counting and craft activities throughout the day to commemorate the achievement.
Brief Title: Photography and Art Skills
High School photography students are learning the history of their craft by creating their own pinhole cameras. The “Beginning Art” students are perfecting black-and-white portrait drawings, while the “Intermediate” group is working on portraits in full color. Meanwhile, Junior High art students are focusing on perspective drawing and ceramics.
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Justice Department sues California, Virginia over new gun laws
Republican revolt against Johnson halts business in U.S. House
Trump administration, GOP seek workarounds to tackle birthright citizenship
Trump praised ‘natural 7-OH’; DEA moves to ban it
WATCH: Panel OKs making rebuilding easier in Altadena
Businesses call for domestic AI, manufacturing
Minimum wages rise in Chicago, Cook County
Illinois Quick Hits: Equity and Inclusion Commission launches mentorship program
Colorado congressional candidates tout primary victories
Trump’s DOGE effort ends July 4 with no final tally, no rebates
Sheridan Gorman’s mother to Congress: ‘Choose us’
Los Angeles Homeless Services Agency sues feds over funds
