A Whole County of NC Schools (Duplin) Is Closing Hours Early Today for Trump Visit. Is this normal?

[farmboy]

DUPLIN COUNTY, NC (WITN-TV) - Donald Trump's visit to Duplin County is bringing about the early closing of schools in the county.

Donald Trump (Photo Courtesy: MGN Online)

Due to anticipated heavy traffic, all Duplin County schools will close at noon on Tuesday. Also, James Sprunt Community College will shut down at the same time. The college says it is closing due to "safety concerns" for the event, which is right across the street.

Trump is scheduled to speak sometime after 5:00 p.m. at the Duplin County Events Center. Doors open at 2:00 p.m.


Is this normal for similar appearances by candidates elsewhere? A whole county of schoolchildren losing half a day's education due to such a visit? Duplin County is very rural in SE North Carolina with almost none of the schools anywhere near this event; I'm talking three schools in and near Kenansville that are within 5 miles and the remaining four high schools and nine middle and elementary schools mostly between 10-18 miles away, in Wallace, Beulaville, Warsaw, Mt. Olive, and south of Albertson. The community college is across the street on a two lane road, but I am shocked that this decision has been made, especially for all of the public schools.

[SticksnStones]

1. Is it legal even? nt

[yeoman6987]

5. As long as they get 180, the schools have some flexibility

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

2. Hmm... don't know

I know Trump visited here in Maine, but I think it was still during the summer break for schools. I don't recall schools ever letting out early for a presidential candidate visit. I could only see it if they were using the school auditorium or something, but then why can't that happen after school or on the weekends? They shouldn't interrupt school unless it is really necessary. Pretty sure they wouldn't do that in Maine. They are pretty strict about the school schedules and the school board would have to agree on an interruption in the normal schedule outside of something weather related.

[apcalc]

3. Wouldn't want my kids near him!

Nor the deplorable state/ gun nuts etcetcetc

[liberal N proud]

4. Saw schools close once for a bu$h visit

But it was just the schools in close proximity to the event and traffic would have been a nightmare.

But a whole county? Either they are worried about violence at the rally and it will spread or they think that it will boost attendance at the rally.

[Wounded Bear]

6. I would expect something like this actually....

especially in a somewhat rural area with limited transportation network.

I know some people thrive on conspiracy theories, but I don't read much into this. Sounds like legitimate safety and convenience concerns to me.

[sinkingfeeling]

7. No, but it is North Carolina.