By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN — Due to safety concerns, Sussex Central High School’s class of 2024 will graduate several days later than originally scheduled.

At its Monday meeting, the Indian River School District board of education approved the rescheduling of the ceremony to June 1. It will begin at 10 a.m.

Commencement had previously been set for 7 p.m. May 29.

According to district officials, the decision was made with the care for graduates and their families in mind, and in collaboration with the school’s safety team.

During last year’s Sussex Central graduation, which took place the night of May 30, Delaware State Police reported a large fight among several individuals. The altercation resulted in the misdemeanor arrests of a 16-year-old female and a 29-year-old man.

The 2024 rescheduling matter was first addressed March 15 by Indian River’s school safety committee.

“This decision is due to the (anticipated) large number of graduates and the time it will take to convene the ceremony,” said school board member Derek Cathell. “Following discussions with the Delaware State Police, the safety committee agreed it would be advisable to change the date for Sussex Central’s graduation to Saturday, June 1, (at) 10 a.m.”

Nearly 500 seniors graduated from the school in 2023.

The scheduling change was among other calendar alterations presented by superintendent Dr. Jay Owens at Monday’s meeting.

For the commencement ceremony, the high school will provide up to eight tickets to each graduate, based on the seating capacity of the high school stadium. If weather requires the ceremony to be moved indoors to the gym, seniors will be limited to two tickets each.

Further, any families who have ordered announcements or other items through Jostens with the original graduation date can work with Sussex Central to get them reprinted at no cost.

For information, email acting principal Judi Brittingham at judith.brittingham@irsd.k12.de.us.