Carbondale, Illinois – Dozens of schools in Illinois are preparing to close for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8. More than 70 school districts in the state have declared April 8 as a “not in attendance” day, as announced by the Illinois State Board of Education.
The decision to close schools is in anticipation of unprecedented traffic and crowds, particularly in cities along the path of totality. Many schools are opting to give families the opportunity to witness this potentially once-in-a-lifetime event together.
While some may consider using e-learning days for educational continuity, the state board of education advises against preemptively declaring such days for the solar eclipse. According to the board, e-learning days are meant to replace emergency closure days, and the anticipated increase in traffic does not meet the criteria for an emergency closure.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale, located in the path of totality, will be hosting a festival to celebrate the solar eclipse and has canceled classes for the day. The university encourages students to participate in the events and activities on campus and has announced that all offices will remain open but may have temporary closures during the afternoon for everyone to experience totality.
In addition to the university, other schools in the area such as Carbondale Elementary School District 95, Carbondale Community High School, Giant City Consolidated School District 130, and Unity Point Community Consolidated School District 140 will also be closed for the solar eclipse. Alton Community Unit School District No. 11 in southern Illinois will have an early dismissal, while Waterloo Community Unit School District No. 5 will be closed entirely.
School closures and changes to e-learning for the rare celestial event are not limited to Illinois, as several schools in Indiana and Ohio have also reported closures. The list of schools closing in Illinois continues to grow, with districts like Effingham CUSD 40, Golf ESD 67, South Holland SD 151, and many others announcing closures for the solar eclipse on April 8.