Bonds and audits remained as top priorities for the Taylorville CUSD #3 School Board of Education at their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday night. Starting with a public hearing on a new intent to issue bonds valued at 3.5 million dollars, no comments were made. These ‘working cash fund bonds’ are being utilized to increase the district’s working cash or available funds. The Board would later vote to approve their intent by a 5 – 0 vote. Board members Carla Mickey and Tom Finks were not present for this vote.

Moving into the regular board meeting, a moment of silence was called for in honor of the three Taylorville School District students that lost their lives in a single vehicle crash just last week. Brandi Bruley, Superintendent of Taylorville CUSD #3, thanked the community and other districts for their support and prayers during the Superintendent's report. Following this, the Board heard from members of the building committee with updates on the auditorium planned for Taylorville High School.

From there, the Board would tackle the consent agenda and hear the treasurer’s report before a presentation by Adam Mathias, Auditor with LMHN. Mathias provided a wealth of information and some additional recommendations to members on their revenue and expenses, keeping the budget top of mind.

Key takeaways from his findings include: the operating expense per student in the district rose to $14,018, per capita tuition increased to $12,445, and the District garnered $33,216,239 in revenue in FY2025, while spending just under $30 million. All in all, the budget and the audit’s findings were extremely positive, with ISBE deeming the District in the ‘financial recognition’ category after generating revenue last year and for having sufficient cash on hand.

New business started with tax abatements, a yearly occurrence that ensures taxpayers are not paying twice. These were both approved. ‘PRESS’ policies were also approved and as mentioned previously, the 3.5 million in working cash fund bonds were accepted. The FY25 Audit and Teacher/Administration Salary Report from ISBE was voted on and approved 5 – 0. 

The Board would go into executive session to close thoughts on personnel issues. These talks are not disclosed at the meeting. The executive session would last around 17 minutes.

The next Taylorville School Board of Education meeting will be held on November 11th, 2025.