The Rutherford County School Board voted Wednesday night to close schools on Monday (8/21/17) for the total eclipse event because of concerns about safety.

There is a growing concern that students of all ages may not follow safety instructions and according to Spokesperson James Evans, "Teachers will not be able to ensure everyone is following the protocols to safely view the eclipse. The bus ride home is also a concern because students will have less supervision during a time when the partial eclipse is still viewable."

The County Schools have also heard several reports from schools and parents about widespread absences that are expected Monday. "Many parents have expressed they want their children to experience the event as a family or with other groups, such as the Boy Scouts," according to Evans.

So, despite great attempts to use the event as an educational tool or lesson, the Rutherford County Schools will be closed on Monday, Aug. 21. The schools will be distributing the eclipse glasses that were donated by MTSU and they will be sent home with students this week.

There are multiple community events that are available for viewing the eclipse. MTSU is hosting a large event on its campus beginning at 11 a.m. Monday, and the university has invited everyone to join in. In addition, there are events at the Stones River National Battlefield and at Lee Victory Park in Smyrna.

Murfreesboro City Schools will be OPEN on Monday:

On August 21st, millions of Americans will be able to watch the solar eclipse that will turn day into night for a couple of minutes. Murfreesboro City Schools is planning for its students to participate in the event. Curriculum and learning activities have been prepared, and the students will be asked to participate in a safe viewing experience of the event.

Middle Tennessee State University has provided glasses to allow the students to participate safely. In addition, the curriculum has been designed to include instructions on methods of safe viewing of an eclipse complete with warnings regarding attempts to watch this event without protecting one's eyes.