The 2024 Great North American Eclipse will take place as the total solar eclipse crosses a 117 mile path across our state midday. Arkansas is the Natural State, and the event is being promoted heavily for tourism and is a big draw from other states and countries.

Our team of administrators and directors met with Emergency Management directors and local authorities, and reviewed impact studies predicted due to the event based on the 2017 eclipse and tourism data.

• ArDOT predicts over 1.5 million visitors are expected in addition to 500,000 residents who will view the event.
• This large population influx could strain supplies, medical services, emergency response crews, internet and cell signals, fuel supplies, etc.
• 30% are expected to arrive and stay in and around the area in the days leading up to the event, and 80% are expected to leave immediately following the event.
• ARDOT traffic impact shows a significant impact on I-40, I-49, Hwy 71, Hwy 64, all the main traffic corridors surrounding our community, which could have negative impact on bus routes, commuters, student drivers, and parent pick-up. https://www.ardot.gov/divisions/communications/eclipse/

In the interest of student safety our administrative team, as well as faculty and staff committees have recommended school closure due to the risk of high traffic impact. The Board approved the action at the February meeting. We do not want to risk our buses, student drivers, parents, and employees being caught in traffic gridlocks of the main corridors become blocked and traffic diverts to the Highway, especially when responders could be delayed. School events scheduled that weekend will be rescheduled.

Unless we miss more than 4 days through the remainder of this semester, the schools will have enough instructional minutes scheduled to meet the state minimum hours of instruction.

Schools will send eclipse glasses for each student, along with information about the eclipse.

Please become familiar with the event and plan ahead for impacts such as strained medical resources, fuel supplies, lodging accommodations, and delayed travel times in the days leading up to and following the event.

If you have questions, please call 479-369-2121