Teutopolis School Board Votes Against Changing Sports Attendance Guidelines

Teutopolis school board members Monday voted against a motion to change the maximum limits of people permitted to attend sports events.

The vote was 5-2 against the change, with Brian Meyer and Courtney Tegeler voting for the motion.

Teutopolis Superintendent Matt Sturgeon presented information from the school district attorney, the Effingham County Health Department, and the district's insurance carrier on the issue. The motion addressed attendance at indoor and outdoor sports events, but not other extra-curricular activities.

The maximum limit of 50 people attended the meeting at Teutopolis Grade School gym in person, plus another 25 people viewed the meeting online.

The meeting was held at Teutopolis following decisions last week by the Vandalia and Breese Central school boards to raise their maximum attendance levels.

Earlier on Monday, the Illinois High School Association Board heard an update from the Illinois Department of Public Health to its All-Sports Policy. IHSA schools located in regions that are in Phase 4 (and all schools are currently in Phase 4) can increase spectators from 50 persons to 20% venue capacity in outdoor sports. Again, this increase is applicable only for outdoor sports.