A Whole County of NC Schools (Duplin) Is Closing Hours Early Today for Trump Visit. Is this normal? [View all]

DUPLIN COUNTY, NC (WITN-TV) - Donald Trump's visit to Duplin County is bringing about the early closing of schools in the county.

Donald Trump (Photo Courtesy: MGN Online)

Due to anticipated heavy traffic, all Duplin County schools will close at noon on Tuesday. Also, James Sprunt Community College will shut down at the same time. The college says it is closing due to "safety concerns" for the event, which is right across the street.

Trump is scheduled to speak sometime after 5:00 p.m. at the Duplin County Events Center. Doors open at 2:00 p.m.


Is this normal for similar appearances by candidates elsewhere? A whole county of schoolchildren losing half a day's education due to such a visit? Duplin County is very rural in SE North Carolina with almost none of the schools anywhere near this event; I'm talking three schools in and near Kenansville that are within 5 miles and the remaining four high schools and nine middle and elementary schools mostly between 10-18 miles away, in Wallace, Beulaville, Warsaw, Mt. Olive, and south of Albertson. The community college is across the street on a two lane road, but I am shocked that this decision has been made, especially for all of the public schools.