Gadsden Independent School District to close day of Pope’s visit

A spokesman for the Gadsden Independent School District confirmed with ABC-7 on Thursday that all schools within the district will close the day of Pope Francis’ visit to Juarez on February 17.

A statement on GISD’s website reads:

“Due to the security preparations for the Papal visit Feb. 17 and its affecting changes in traffic flow to the Santa Teresa Port of Entry and other possible changes to I-10 traffic affecting Sunland Park area and Anthony, Gadsden ISD will cancel classes at all district campuses on the day of the papal visit, announced Superintendent Efren Yturralde Thursday.”

So far, YISD, EPISD, Socorro ISD and San Elizario ISD have also confirmed they will close for the day.

A spokeswoman for the Las Cruces Public School District says they will not close.