San Elizario joins YISD, EPISD, SISD in closing schools, offices for pope’s Juarez visit
The Ysleta, Socorro and El Paso school districts will close schools and offices on Feb. 17 , the day the pope visits Juarez.
In a statement, YISD said it will close schools, “in anticipation of a substantial decrease in student and staff attendance due to the scheduled papal visit to Ciudad Juarez.”
It goes on to state that, “While YISD administration recognizes and supports the separation of church and state as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, the decision to close the district on Feb. 17 is based on the potential detrimental financial impact to YISD related to student, faculty, and staff absenteeism, as well as an increased demand for substitute teachers.”
As a result of the one-day closure on Feb. 17, instructional and professional time will be made up in accordance with district policy.
Detailed information will be provided this week to all students, parents, and employees whose instructional and/or professional schedules will be impacted by the closure on Feb. 17.
The Socorro School District also announced it is cancelling classes on Feb. 17th. It cited transportation and safety as some of the reasons behind the closure.
SISD’s Emergency Operations Manager says a make-up day will not be required for students because the district is already over the amount of minutes required by state law.
EPISD has designated Feb. 15 as the make-up day. That’s Presidents Day, which is a holiday. EPISD says if parents already have plans, work can be made up. The EPISD board is also considering letting schools in South Central out early the day before the visit, Feb. 16, as authorities prep the area.
On its Facebook page, the San Elizario Independent School District said, “SEISD will close its offices and cancel classes on Wednesday, Feb. 17th, due to the Pope’s visit to Ciudad Jurez. Students will not have to make-up this day, only SEISD employees. Detailed information will be sent out to district employees via email later this week.”
