'We are really disabling them;' Upset parents plan rally in opposition to MNPS plan

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A group of Metro Nashville Public School parents and students will be holding a rally on Monday to demand the option of in-person and virtual learning. In addition, they’re upset about the postponement of high school sports.

News that virtual learning has been extended through October for most Metro School students was met with mixed reviews. However, school board member Fran Bush said some parents are at the end of their rope with online school.

"The parents are saying it’s simply unfair," Bush said. "The concern right now is for our early learners. We are really disabling them from getting that academic support.”

She's also supporting tomorrow's rally so teachers can have a voice.

"Those teachers who don’t want to go back, that should be their option, but we do have a vast majority of teachers that want to go back to the classroom," Bush said.

If given the choice, MNPS parent Christi Mayo would send her students back in-person. She’s also against postponing high school sports. She said it puts her daughter, Grayson Mayo, at a disadvantage on the soccer field since students in other counties are still playing games.

"They’re devastated, they want to be able to play, this is what makes them happy," Mayo said.

At Overton High School, she said families are banking on college scholarships too.

"I’m really upset about the seniors that are not getting to play, and the fact that they won’t have film coverage to send to these colleges. Some of them have great scholarship opportunities. They cannot take the scholarship, or will not get a scholarship," Mayo said.

Earlier this week Director of Schools Dr. Adrienne Battle said they already have 94 Metro School employees who have tested positive for COVID-19, and it's not safe to have students congregating together. However, Mayo said there are precautions in place to keep students safe so they can still compete. "I think they can play safely, there’s nobody that wants to be on this field more than the players, so they’re doing everything they can to distance and to be safe."

The rally is planned for 5 p.m. on Monday outside the school board building.