Many schools around the region have reported higher absences due to illness in the past couple of weeks. And, Vandalia Schools are also seeing some higher numbers. Vandalia Superintendent of Schools Rich Well says they are having more sickness than just your regular winter week or season. Well says they are seeing higher sickness numbers at both the high school and elementary school, while the Junior High seems about normal at this time. Well also added they have been informed that a few students at the high school have been diagnosed with influenza. Well says they have instructed the custodians to intensify their normal cleaning procedures thru this weekend, but Well adds they have not changed their school schedule.