Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) announced last week that Tuesday, May 17 will be remote-learning day to accommodate primary elections in Orange County.
Eleven of the district’s 18 schools will serve as polling places on May 17, prompting the closing of schools for in-person instruction.
CHCCS Chief Communications Officer Andy Jenks said the shift to remote instruction was for the well-being of students.
“For reasons that include student safety and the public’s access to the polls, it is our preference not to have students in our schools on voting days,” Jenks wrote in an email to the district.
Sophomore Jake Drumheller said the remote-learning day will be beneficial to his mental health.
“I’m sure the virtual school day will be helpful because I’m already a little stressed,” Drumheller said. “It will be nice to have a day off before teacher-made exams begin.”