WCS Closing for Eclipse on April 8, 2024

While Ohio prepares for a record influx of people to observe the April 8th total eclipse along its path through our state, Wilmington City Schools has been consulting with Clinton County Emergency Management regarding the potential for significant traffic and service issues that day. Due to Wilmington’s proximity to the line of totality and to Interstate 71 (and its alternate routes State Route 73 and U.S. 68), the traffic generated by this event could have a significant impact on WCS bus routes and local resources.

During the prior eclipse in 2017, egress routes created the biggest problems in Kentucky, where more than a million people simultaneously exited the eclipse areas of totality.  Kentucky endured hours of traffic backups for hundreds of miles in all directions as well as emergency vehicles blocked in traffic jams.

WCS has decided to close schools on the day of the eclipse.  Regardless of weather conditions the day of the event, we want to err on the side of caution. State and local emergency management agencies have provided information about traffic and service issues that could have a significant impact on that day.

Teachers will provide students age-appropriate content in our science classrooms about this event. Families are encouraged to learn more about the eclipse at eclipse.ohio.gov, greatamericaneclipse.com/ohio-2024-eclipse, and the Wilmington Public Library.