TEXAS, USA — Some school districts across Central Texas are canceling classes for a once in a lifetime event this spring, a total solar eclipse happening on April 8!
It's no question it is going to be a historic event. It's been estimated that the eclipse could double the population of Bell County, which is why several districts have been planning for weeks.
"I've seen projections up to a million and a half for Bell County," Dr. Bobby Ott, Temple ISD Superintendent, said.
With the event bringing in large crowds, some school districts felt canceling classes on April 8 was the best option, but it wasn't a decision made lightly.
"Making a mid-year change on the calendar, we take very seriously," Belton ISD Acting Superintendent, Dr. Malinda Golden, said.
Districts understand concerns across the board.
"There are discussions about if it's safer to have students in a supervised environment, like your classrooms and school buildings," Ott said. "Versus if parents are working and they're out in their homes in an unsupervised environment."
But the effects of the event will impact dismissal times for schools.
"They could be on a bus, anywhere from four to five hours," Ott added.
This was the tipping point for many.
"It's that unpredictability piece, and if they're at home, that's removed," Ott.
For any parent worried, schools are making sure people can see the event safely.
"We purchased 10,000 solar glasses, protective eyewear, to not only cover our students but staff," Ott said.
Districts also worked hand-in-hand with first responders and county officials to figure out the best plan of action.
"Thinking about how much strain we might be putting on the system for cell phone calls and the different towers," Taina Northington, Chief Communications & Marketing for Killeen ISD said. "That could eventually be something where we might not be able to call 911. We might have to text 911, which I know Bell County is actually preparing for."
It's all to keep everyone safe for the once in a lifetime event.
"We're hoping that this really alleviates some of the stress that our parents and families might be feeling as far as getting their kids to school or home from school," Northington said.
"Our teachers are amazing," Golden said. "We really try to get our families and our students particularly excited about this and knowledgeable about how to view this safely. There's been work that's gone into front loading this event and then obviously there will be good follow-up when our students return."
Waco ISD has not made a decision yet about canceling classes yet.
While Belton and Killeen ISD have April 8 off, Belton ISD will have class on April 15 and Killeen ISD will have it on April 1. Temple ISD will not have a makeup day.
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