Stephens Co. Schools to Close for Eclipse

School Superintendent Bryan Dorsey announces that Stephens County schools will be closed on August 21 due to the total solar eclipse.

The school board initially chose to release early on that day but as of last week, made the decision to close schools instead.

After a called meeting involving local law enforcement and county and city administration, Dorsey said there were concerns about increasing crowds.

“They were concerned about the increasing estimates of the crowds and thought that the high school parking lot would be needed for overflow traffic,” said Dorsey. “They were concerned about students being trapped and not being able to get buses around town. If we were going to try to have it, we would need to release as early as 10 a.m. and once we’re releasing that early, it’s just bring the buses in and bring the buses out, so just in order to make sure we’re providing the safest environment, something manageable for parents, students and the community.”

Dorsey said the students will not have to make that day up, however, staff will either work that day or make it up another day.