Make wishtv.com your home page

Some central Indiana schools closing for Election Day

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) – With a large voter turnout expected, some central Indiana school districts will keep its students away on Election Day.

At least three districts won’t require its students to go to class.

“I mean it could be difficult with parents for babysitting and things like that, but I still think it’s a good idea,” Hamilton Southeastern Schools grandparent Angela Hobbs said.

“I could see how it could be very inconvenient having to find some childcare, perhaps even have to take the day off and lose those wages,” Hamilton Southeastern Schools parent John Cruz said. “And that can be impactful for families that are on a tight budget.”

Hamilton Southeastern Schools (HSE), Avon Community School Corporation and Monroe County Community School Corporation will use the day as a teacher workshop. It’s the first time HSE has done this.

Avon started three years ago, with two of its schools used as polling sites. Monroe County Community School Corporation said closing schools has happened for quite some time because the majority of its buildings are used for voters.

All three announced this decision months ago. For HSE, more than half of its buildings used as polling locations, the district said there’s too much traffic near the schools and also inside. This is why they decided to keep the kids away.

A day off that seems to create as much debate as candidates do themselves. “There’s so much craziness going on in the world and you just don’t know who would be in the school with all the kids there,” Hobbs said.

“Given that our education system is in, we tend to be falling behind in the world rankings, if you believe all that, I would just assume the children stay in school,” Cruz said.

Next year, HSE will have its students return to classes on Election Day. Avon and Monroe County Community School Corporation still plan to give students Election Day off.

For parents looking for Election Day childcare, the YMCA is looking to help. This year, many clubs will offer a free service to families.

YMCA released a list of clubs participating Thursday. If your location isn’t on the list, leaders said to call your club.