Round Rock ISD expects low attendance on day of solar eclipse

Round Rock ISD says it expects a number of students to be out with 'eclipse fever' on Monday as classes will still be taking place during the most anticipated solar event of the year.

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — The Round Rock Independent School District said it expects a number of students to be out with 'eclipse fever' on Monday as classes will still be taking place during the celestial event.

RRISD Superintendent Dr. Hafedh Azaiez said the district will operate as usual on April 8 but students will be taken outside to watch the solar eclipse.

Azaiez said the district has secured enough glasses so students present can enjoy the event safely.

He said attendance could be low on Monday as parents keep their students home for their own eclipse plans.

Texas requires schools meet a certain percentage of instruction time and attendance every year, directly tying it to state funding.

Because of this, Azaiez said it's possible RRISD will file a low attendance waiver with the Texas Education Agency to avoid hurting the district's funding.

"We want to give the choice to the parents and to the students. The ones who want to stay home? They can stay home. The ones who want to send their kids to school? We're open for business," Azaiez said.

RRISD parents like Yanet Leon said they plan to keep their student home on the big day. She said she's doing so mostly to avoid the crowds and traffic flooding Central Texas for the eclipse.

"We're definitely staying home. We bought some glasses to look at it and really have that chance of have a lifetime and see what goes on," Leon said.

The Texas Education Agency said it will evaluate low-attendance waivers associated with the eclipse if they come in.