RSU 73 votes for half-day April 8 amid solar-eclipse public-safety concerns
March 29, 2024 | RSU 73, School Districts, Maine
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The RSU 73 School Board approved an early dismissal (half day) for Monday, April 8, citing public-safety and transportation concerns related to the upcoming solar eclipse.
Superintendent Scott told the board that Franklin County Emergency Management and local first responders expressed concern about thousands of visitors traveling along the Route 4 corridor and recommended a half day so students could be returned home safely. He said the district had acquired special viewing glasses for students, and some pairs were available for purchase in town offices.
"There's a real concern because they're not exactly sure how many thousands of people who are gonna be this way, coming through the Route 4 corridor," Scott said, urging an early dismissal so transportation could be managed.
A motion to "allow the kids off on Monday the eighth, April 8 at a half day" was moved and seconded. Board members asked whether after‑school programs would run and whether neighboring districts were planning early releases; the board heard varied responses from area districts. After discussion the board took a roll-call vote; at least two board members recorded 'no' votes while a majority voted 'yes,' and the motion passed. The district said students would be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. (the normal half‑day dismissal time) and administrators agreed to confirm after‑school program coverage and busing logistics.
Superintendent Scott told the board that Franklin County Emergency Management and local first responders expressed concern about thousands of visitors traveling along the Route 4 corridor and recommended a half day so students could be returned home safely. He said the district had acquired special viewing glasses for students, and some pairs were available for purchase in town offices.
"There's a real concern because they're not exactly sure how many thousands of people who are gonna be this way, coming through the Route 4 corridor," Scott said, urging an early dismissal so transportation could be managed.
A motion to "allow the kids off on Monday the eighth, April 8 at a half day" was moved and seconded. Board members asked whether after‑school programs would run and whether neighboring districts were planning early releases; the board heard varied responses from area districts. After discussion the board took a roll-call vote; at least two board members recorded 'no' votes while a majority voted 'yes,' and the motion passed. The district said students would be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. (the normal half‑day dismissal time) and administrators agreed to confirm after‑school program coverage and busing logistics.
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