With northwest Ohio in the bullseye of next year’s solar eclipse, the Springfield board of education is debating whether to conduct school that day.
At the June 20 meeting, Superintendent Matt Geha brought up the issue for discussion, noting the eclipse will take place shortly before 2 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024, and last approximately 90 minutes.
According to NASA, the total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience it is Mexico.
From there, it will enter the United States in Texas and travel northwest through Ohio. Eventually it will depart the states and enter Canada before exiting North America in Newfoundland.
Mr. Geha said if school is in session, they may have to make adjustments to the school day, noting other districts are also discussing their options.
In addition to dealing with the midday darkness, the district also would be impacted by traffic as thousands of people are expected to converge on the area to witness the event.
The superintendent said state officials also are looking into the possible cancelation of school that day.
Other Business
In other business, the school board:
•Renewed the property, fleet, liability, excess crime and cyber insurance for 202324 with the Ohio School Plan.
The cost is $159,029, property, fleet and liability; $880, pollution, and $20,050, cyber.
•Awarded certified contracts to Sean Enck, SHS assistant principal and career tech coordinator; Alysa Liaros, SHS Spanish, and Ronald Liwo, SHS counselor.
•Accepted the resignations of Marya Singleton, SHS counselor, effective August 1; Brad Turski digital transitional education program instructor, August 1, and Carol Justen, 3.5-hour Dorr food service, August 7.
•Accepted a $100 donation from Walls Memorial Chapel AME Zion Church. The funds were used toward prizes and snacks for a special needs student carnival organized by the Business Professionals of America and Chick-fil-A Leader Academy.
•Entered into an executive session, but took no action afterward.
The next board of education meeting will be at 9 a.m., Wednesday, July 12, at the administration building, 6900 Hall Street, and is open to the public.
