The education minister is calling out school boards, including the two York Region boards, for choosing to end the school day early for the solar eclipse expected April 8.
In preparation of the total solar eclipse — which can cause permanent damage to the eyes if the sun is viewed without proper protection — both the York Region District School Board and York Catholic District School Board plan to dismiss students early so they can be home before the eclipse begins around 2 p.m.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce is criticizing schools that are closing due to the eclipse and causing students to miss out on class time.
YCDSB director of communications Mark Brosens said that while the board respects his perspective, it is about student safety.
"The concern for the safety of our students is the number 1 driver in terms of the decision that we made," Brosens said, adding that the boards put plenty of time into the plan. "We understand that it's going be inconvenient for many parents, and we're sorry for that, but we just want to make sure that their kids are going to get home safely that day."
Health organizations like the Canadian Association of Optometrists have warned that measures must be taken to ensure that a solar eclipse can be viewed safely.
With regular dismissal happening around the time of the eclipse, Brosens said it would be difficult for schools to ensure students are being safe regarding the eclipse. Unusual traffic caused by the eclipse could also be an issue, he said.
“We have no way to ensure student safety as they head on their way home,” he said. “To ensure students are safe, which is our top priority, we believe the half day on April 8 is the best.”
In comments, Lecce said he does not have an issue with boards rescheduling days already devoted to professional development, which students already have off, for the eclipse.
But in a clip posted to X, Lecce said he has told director of educations it is unacceptable for schools to close schools for the eclipse otherwise.
"What I don't want is to find excuses to not be in class, serving our kids, at a time when learning loss is at a historic high," he said. "I want to see workers showing up, making a difference for our kids."
Brosens said that was not possible in the case of York school boards. He said that York school boards schedule more PA days earlier in the school year, leaving less flexibility than some other school boards may have.
“Both boards studied this essentially and found it just impossible to have a PA day moved into that date,” he said.
Both boards have said morning transportation will be consistent April 8, with transportation adjusted in the afternoon for early dismissal. After-school activities will also be cancelled, but childcare operators could maintain operations at their discretion.
More information about the eclipse is available through the Government of Canada website.
