Chesapeake Public Schools (CPS) is announcing a temporary pause in its planetarium evening shows as the district works to develop a plan for future programming. With the recent retirement of our long-time Planetarium Director, Dr. Robert Hitt, who stepped down on September 1, 2024, after more than five decades of service, it is an ideal time for CPS to rethink our current model. This decision comes as part of the district’s ongoing commitment to enhancing educational experiences and ensuring that our available resources are used to their fullest potential.
The planetarium, an important part of our educational outreach, has been a valuable resource for our students and the community for many years. However, to continue to provide high-quality programming that aligns with our educational goals, CPS is exploring creative ways the planetarium can serve our students and community well into the future.
“We understand how much the planetarium means to our students, families, and the broader community,” said Dr. Jared Cotton, Superintendent of Chesapeake Public Schools. “Our priority is to ensure that the planetarium continues to offer valuable and enriching learning experiences. This temporary pause will allow us to develop a thoughtful plan for its future that aligns with our educational goals and community needs.”
The district is currently collaborating with city officials and educational partners to create a plan for the future of the planetarium. Chesapeake Public Schools is committed to moving forward as quickly as possible and will provide updates as soon as a plan is in place. It is important to note that there are no plans to close the planetarium as it continues to be an asset to our community.