Taylorville School Board met for its monthly meeting Tuesday evening. 

The board heard from Taylorville Junior High School Principal Eric Bruder, who reported a range of 61 percent attendance for 5th graders, to around 90 percent attendance for 7th graders, with 6th and 8th graders falling somewhere in between. 

Bruder says 173 students at TJHS crossed threshold as chronic absentees for 2021-2022. He says he doesn’t know exactly why, but lists mental health and the pandemic as possibilities. 

On a separate note, Bruder says attendance at TJHS is up. He just can’t quantify it as of right now. He’s also extremely pleased with the STUCO program incentivizing students to earn better grades with rewards of bowling and roller skating trips, cookies, and more. 

Meanwhile, the school’s “Catch My Breath” program has found success. Bruder says students who came forward admitting they had a problem with vaping or cigarettes will be honored at an assembly Wednesday. 

The board also reviewed the consent agenda, approving minutes, claims, and reports. The board reviewed new and old business, which included the renewal of the school’s membership in the IHSA and the renewal of a CTI contract through June 2023. The board accepted both unanimously. 

Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty provided a legislative update. 

The board then went into a closed session to consider personnel. Taylorville School Board’s next scheduled monthly meeting is May 17th.