October 26, 2023

At their October 17 meeting, the Fairview Park City Schools Board of Education approved revising the 2023-2024 school calendar, extending spring break through Monday, April 8, 2024, in response to safety concerns around a total solar eclipse that will be visible that day. 

The decision to close school on April 8, 2024, and extend spring break by an additional day was the result of considering several variables that might impact the safety of students and staff. Much of the greater Cleveland area will be in the path of totality, where a total eclipse will be experienced. The region is expected to see tens of thousands of visitors for the event. The total eclipse is expected to start at 2 p.m. and will reach totality around 3 p.m. The sun will then gradually start to reappear after 3 p.m. This coincides with dismissal at Parkview, Gilles-Sweet, and FHS/LMMS. 

We are concerned about traffic congestion, distracted drivers, students being unsupervised walking home, and not taking appropriate precautions to view the eclipse safely.  You can see the revised 2023-2024 school calendar here. 

I understand the importance of having a reliable and consistent school calendar and acknowledge that changes to the calendar impact the work and childcare schedules of families, but this decision was made to prioritize the safety of staff and students.

Sincerely,

Keith Ahearn, Superintendent