Total Eclipse 2017 In Tennessee: Metro Nashville Schools Opt To Close After All

NASHVILLE, TN — Metro Nashville Public Schools students will have a day off from classes for the solar eclipse after all.

The MNPS board voted unanimously Tuesday to close schools August 21 when Nashville will experience some of the longest periods of totality in the country during the once-in-a-few-lifetimes solar eclipse. The board voted last month to keep class in session that day, citing concerns from the mayor about safety. That was a reversal of an earlier decision to close schools. Now, it's back to square one.

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SEE ALSO: Total Eclipse 2017 In Tennessee: Times, Duration And More

With a number of teachers and bus drivers taking the day off for the eclipse, plus concerns about high-school students driving during the event, in a statement, the board said it erring on the side of a caution.

Our main priority is and always will be student safety. While we have been planning for students to attend school on Aug. 21 to participate in eclipse-based lesson plans, it has become apparent that there are many challenges related to transportation, staffing and attendance – all of which could impact student safety.
As such, the Board of Education voted tonight, Aug. 8, that students and 10-month employees will not report to school on Monday, Aug. 21. Revised calendar details for teachers and students will be released by the district in the coming weeks.
Metro Nashville Public Schools will continue to provide eclipse viewing glasses, safe viewing instructions, and supplemental educational resources for our 88,000 students in the days leading up to the eclipse.

SEE ALSO: Total Eclipse 2017 In Tennessee: Troopers Prep For Busy Day, Offer Driving Tips

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