BUTLER TWP — Students at Butler Area School District may get special glasses for the partial solar eclipse that will cover Butler County on April 8, or they may be excused for the day if their parents or guardians take them to get a good view of the eclipse.

Brian White, superintendent of the district, said at a school board meeting Monday, March 11, that he expected to receive guidance from the state department of education about how to handle the eclipse, but it hasn't come.

White's concern for the naturally occurring event was that young children would look at the sun during the eclipse — expected to take place at around 3:20 p.m., the same time that elementary students head for their buses — and would damage their eyes. But because an eclipse is not a weather emergency, he cannot decide whether to call off school. He discussed options with the school board, which led to the board asking if he could secure special glasses for all students.

The decision is pending, but the eclipse may still be cause for an excused absence.

“We’re going to research this a little bit and make a determination if we are going to actually provide them or if we’re going to provide some indication to where parents can go get them for their children,” White said. “Regular school day, our students can have a note from their parents saying that they were doing something ... going to the eclipse.”

Also at the meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Julie Hopp, director of curriculum, instruction and professional development, effective Aug. 9.

Hopp has worked at the district since December 2017. White said the board will begin looking for a successor immediately, but he doesn’t want to rush the process. He said school administrators will look “everywhere” for a replacement.

“It’s a big role to fill,” White said. “I think it’s important to be patient to find the right person for a role like this ... This is a leadership role that cuts across all the buildings, works with all of our instructional staff members and has to have a positive rapport and be respected by them.”

White also said the board discussed the sale of the Butler Middle School building in an executive session that took place between the board’s work session and regular meeting Monday. No updates were provided to the public.