Why Are Metro Nashville Schools In Session During The Eclipse?

NASHVILLE, TN — Like several other school districts falling in the path of totality of the August 21 solar eclipse, Metro Nashville Public Schools originally planned for schools to be closed during the once-in-a-lifetime event, but at July 11's school board meeting, the calendar changed as the district decided instead to hold class that day.

MNPS issued a statement Monday explaining the decision to alter the calendar came after a request from the mayor's office. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

"We had originally planned not to have school on the day of the eclipse but were asked by the Mayor to reconsider that decision as she felt strongly that young students could encounter safety issues if they were left home without supervision on that day. The district had already purchased safety glasses for students to take home so they could safely view the eclipse from home. Since Tuesday’s vote, the administration has been working through logistics associated with the calendar change – including obtaining safety glasses for school personnel – and will communicate further details with families as we get closer to the start of school," the statement read.

Staring at the sun in the time prior to and following totality can cause permanent eye damage.

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