Out of an abundance of caution, the Jackson City Schools decided to cancel the 5th-grade field trips for Westview and Southview Elementaries to COSI (Center of Science and Industry) in Columbus which were scheduled for Thursday, May 1.
Jackson City Schools Superintendent Phil Howard announced the cancellation on Wednesday evening, April 30. Howard explained that the school district was made aware that Columbus City Police are expecting upwards of 10,000 people for an opposing protest on the streets of Columbus.
“Many of these people are expected to arrive to the downtown area by bus,” said Howard. “There was already going to be a festival of some sort taking place near where COSI is located, and several of the streets were going to be blocked off… so we were going to have to park some distance away and walk with the kids on the streets to and from COSI.”
Howard said, “In light of this information, we have canceled the trip. Principals will look at the calendar and see what we can do about possibly going on a different day.”
He apologized for the inconvenience as many parents and guardians had previously arranged to take off work to help chaperone the trip.
“I don’t believe it’s worth the risk of putting our kids in harm’s way given the information that we have received,” Howard concluded.
It has been reported by The Columbus Dispatch that thousands are expected to rally at the Ohio Statehouse to support public education and oppose the proposed funding for school in the state budget. Additionally, other various demonstrations are planned as more protestors are expected for “May Day” protests.
Loading Comments