Rutherford County Schools in Tennessee have announced that they will be closed on April 8 in order for all students to be able to witness the anticipated solar eclipse. Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan made the decision to use one of the district’s “stockpile days” for this purpose, choosing the option that offered the most benefit to all students.
The eclipse is expected to begin at 12:44 p.m., peak at 2:03 p.m., and conclude at 3:20 p.m. While the eclipse won’t be seen in totality in Tennessee, Rutherford County residents can still witness it at about 94% completion. The decision to close schools was primarily made due to safety concerns, as the eclipse’s timing coincided with school dismissals, posing a risk to the 25,000 to 30,000 students that the county transports on buses daily.
An alternative of having an early dismissal day was considered but ultimately ruled out due to the chaos it would cause for parents. Following the eclipse closure, Rutherford County will still have two more stockpile days available for emergencies or inclement weather. Despite the state being outside the prime viewing path for the eclipse, the district’s decision to prioritize student safety and provide an educational experience demonstrates their commitment to the well-being and academic enrichment of their students.
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