Building upgrades and Fine Arts Center debated as board honors National FFA champions.
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TAYLORVILLE — The Taylorville Board of Education held a regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom.
The meeting began with public comment from Bill Chapman, a concerned citizen from Taylorville. Chapman raised safety concerns about the seating areas in the west gymnasium at Taylorville High School. He said the steep stairs and exposed metal supports create a fall risk for older residents and parents carrying children.
“It only takes one person to have a brain injury or severe back injury,” Chapman said, urging the board to consider installing handrails and protective padding.
The board observed a moment of silence for Sonja Beavers, a longtime teacher who served the district for 30 years.
Board members approved the consent agenda, including minutes, financial reports, personnel updates, and an overnight trip request for the girls bowling team to attend the IHSA sectional. The district reported that after the latest payment on the gym addition, $81,139.56 remains outstanding.
Patrick Zavoral of O’Shea Builders presented a price of $608,610 for renovations at North Elementary to convert the unused wrestling room into classrooms and storage space.
Board members discussed how student needs have evolved and the growing demand for specialized services.
Superintendent Brandi Bruley said, “We have occupational therapy and physical therapy in a closet. That’s not secure or quiet for children to learn.”
The board also recognized the Taylorville FFA livestock judging team, recently named 2026 National Western Roundup Livestock Judging FFA Champions in Denver. Students demonstrated how they evaluate livestock and deliver timed oral presentations, highlighting communication and decision-making skills developed through the program.
The majority of the meeting focused on Phase II building projects, including the proposed Fine Arts Center, Memorial Elementary needs, and upgrades to the industrial arts wing at the high school.
Board President Ann Chandler asked each board member to share their thoughts on the proposed upgrades and the Fine Arts Center.
Lori Wemple supported moving forward but favored a practical approach.
“Give them everything they need to start up to have an auditorium,” she said. “Not a lot of bells and whistles.”
She added that Memorial cannot continue to receive temporary fixes.
“We can’t just continue to band-aid it,” she said.
Tom Finks emphasized thinking decades ahead and cautioned against eliminating features that could limit future use.
“Whatever we spend is going to be an 80 to 100 year expenditure,” he said. “We just need to be thinking long-term.”
Carla Mickey said the district must balance needs across multiple facilities.
“We just don’t have the money to do everything we want to do,” she said. “A 250 seat auditorium, I think, is sufficient.”
She noted Memorial and industrial arts serve large numbers of students and require attention as well.
Dr. Ron Mizer said he is ready to see the district follow through on building the Fine Arts Center.
“Since 1937, there’s been several attempts to build an auditorium, and it’s never been done,” Mizer said. “The last two things we built were gymnasiums. It’s time that we build an auditorium.”
Autumn Belsher said the district has discussed an auditorium for years and should move forward while maintaining balance.
“It does need to happen,” she said, adding that Memorial “needs to stop being a band-aid.”
Tonya Bowsher said she does not believe the district should continue investing in repairs at Memorial Elementary.
“I absolutely believe that we need to not fix that building again,” she said.
She suggested building new classroom space attached to North School or Taylorville Junior High. She added that upgrades to the industrial arts wing would also be a priority if funding allows.
The board will revisit final scope details before taking a vote in March.
“We need to be fiscally responsible and very careful in what we choose now because of the bonds,” Chandler said.
The board also conducted a first review of the proposed 2026-27 school calendar, which will return next month for approval.
Superintendent Bruley said the district is awaiting guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education on whether Election Day will become a mandatory school holiday. If so, the calendar may need to be amended.
In her superintendent’s report, Bruley noted that IASA is providing free professional development webinars for administrators covering AI in education, truancy, and special education leadership. A food service audit is scheduled for Feb. 26 and 27 following the district’s recent bid renewal.
She also reminded the board of the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation annual dinner March 14 at Pillars, featuring music trivia, before the meeting adjourned.
The next regular meeting of the Taylorville Board of Education will be held Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
