Isabel has caused both Tyrone Area School District and the Bellwood-Antis School District to cancel all classes and school functions scheduled for tomorrow.
Dr. William Miller, Tyrone Superintendent of Schools announced this morning that the Tyrone School District will have an emergency closing tomorrow in anticipation of Hurricane Isabel.
“We are closing now in anticipation of the heavy rains and possible flooding that could be caused by the hurricane,” said Miller. “We were afraid if we waited too long, there could be power outages and the word would not get to the parents and students. With the ground as saturated as it is, we would rather error on the side of caution for the safety of the students.”
In more 30 years, this is the first closing of the Tyrone School District for a non-snow related weather situation.
With Tyrone closing schools tomorrow, the football game scheduled between Tyrone and Bellefonte has been postponed until Saturday with the kickoff scheduled at 7 p.m. at Gray-Veterans Memorial Field.
With the beginnings of Isabel expected to hit at about 11 p.m. this evening, the Bellwood-Antis game with Mount Union has been moved up to tonight with kickoff at 7 p.m. at Bellwood Memorial Stadium.
“We just looked at everything that is expected to happen and for the safety of all involved, decided to move it until (tonight),” said Blue Devil coach and Bellwood-Antis Athletic Director John Hayes. “It’s the best scenario for everyone.”
The decision was made yesterday afternoon, said Hayes.
“First, we talked with the people here at Bellwood-Antis and they were in agreement that it would be best if we moved it up a day,” said Hayes. “Then, we contacted Mount Union officials and they were happy with the decision.”
In addition to the football game, homecoming activities were scheduled for tomorrow, but they were also moved up to tonight.
“That was an issue we were concerned about too,” said Hayes. “We had to see what other activities were going on in the district and make sure those who wanted to attend homecoming ceremonies could attend. We feel that we’re accommodating everyone with the move.”
Hayes also noted that tonight’s pre-game ceremonies honoring the Blue Devil’s 2003 PIAA Class AA state championship baseball team will occur. Championship rings will be distributed.
Bellwood-Antis announced that the district will be closed tomorrow as well.
“We’re looking at protecting the safety of the students and staff,” said Bellwood-Antis superintendent Brian Toth. “It is not worth the risk of asking people to travel through the heavy rain, high winds and possible flooding. We would rather error on the side of safety for our students. We would want to do everything in our power to prevent the possibility of a tragedy that could happen. We decided to close school and make the day up later.”
Tyrone and Bellwood-Antis joined Hollidaysburg and the Spring Cove school districts in closing school for tomorrow. Altoona had a scheduled in-service day.
