Updated 08.15/2017

All Giles County schools will be closed Aug. 21, the day of the total eclipse, says Director of Schools Phillip Wright.

Initially, school was to be in session next Monday, but circumstances helped to change Wright's mind. Also, Wright said he knew of several students and school employees who have plans to attend the historic event in the Nashville area and said he couldn't excuse them and make others attend classes. With new state attendance policy, it would be better for the district to call school off, he said.

According to Wright, the Giles County School System has 13 stockpile days which can be used to close the schools for any reason. He received permission from the state district to use one of these days and will classify the day off as an inclement weather day.

Wright said he consulted with the Giles County Board of Education members, who agreed that classes should be let out Monday. He added that a text, message, email and voicemail has been sent to parents about the change to close the schools Aug. 21.

Giles County isn't the only school district that is closing for the eclipse. There are 15 districts with plans to close and 10 more who are waiting for permission to close. Marshall County's BOE decided last night to close, also.