Taylorville Junior High School has announced Stile Smith as its new principal. A familiar face in the Taylorville community, Smith brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership to his new role.

Originally from Centralia, Illinois, Smith graduated from Centralia High School in 2008. He earned a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2012 and recently completed his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at the University of Illinois-Springfield in 2024.

Smith began his teaching career in 2012 at Taylorville High School, where he spent 11 years as an English Language Arts teacher. In addition to his classroom responsibilities, he was actively involved in extracurricular activities, serving as a boys' basketball coach, softball coach, and student council advisor.

Since 2023, Smith has worked as the Junior High Assistant Principal and District Athletic Director in the Pana School District. Now, he’s excited to return to Taylorville, a place he has called home since beginning his teaching career.

"I met my wife, Whitney, a few months after moving to Taylorville, and we’ve built a beautiful life here with our four children: Hayva, Sawyer, Adalyn, and our newest addition, Hollyn," Smith said. "Taylorville has become my home over the past 12 and a half years, and I’m thrilled to lead the amazing staff and students at the junior high."

Smith officially assumes his new role as principal of Taylorville Junior High School later this school year.