Parents still upset over mask guidelines

TAYLORVILLE — At the Taylorville Board of Education’s special meeting Tuesday night, parents expressed their concerns about the COVID-19 mask guidelines.

Originally, the school board voted to make masks in school optional. Shortly after, a state mandate was issued that made wearing masks in school mandatory. This has upset some of the parents in the community.

Concerned and maskless parent, DJ DeVore, addressed the board regarding the mask mandate. “Even our children know this is wrong. Some of the students are protesting this and being sent home,” DeVore said. “Why? Aren’t we supposed to teach our kids to stand up for what’s right? Students do have the right to peacefully assemble and protest.”

Marsha Long, another maskless parent, expressed her disapproval of the mandate. Long said, “We’re teaching them to get down on their knee and bow down for a tyrant.”

Superintendent Chris Dougherty said she would not instruct the board of education to break the law by allowing masks to be optional. Although, she has joined a coalition of superintendents who are opposing the overreach of government into their work and lives by mandating mask use in the schools. The coalition has joined in a lawsuit against the state regarding the mandate.

A resolution to acquire the conveyance of 828 W. Vandeever St. property was passed unanimously. While no specific use of the former Christian County Mental Health building was stated, the Board has in the past discussed looking for property for the district offices or other classroom expansion.

The board was presented a slideshow of the FY2022 budget that will also be available online. The board is waiting on the results of the latest fiscal year audit. The district is $3 million in the good according to Superintendent Dougherty.

“The goal isn’t to hoard money, but keep enough to operate,” the Superintendent said.