Good morning, Nashville. The Board of Education approved the 2011-12 budget for Metro Schools last night, which means it’s well on its way to Metro Council and Mayor for final approval. Thanks to some federal stimulus funds ending, they expect to suffer a net loss of 430 positions next year including 80-100 classroom teachers. Though the Board unanimously approved this budget, they’re acknowledging that changes will need to be made along the way. Specifically, Governor Haslam’s plan for 1.6% salary increases for teachers also creates an added challenge, as 1/3 of that money–about $5.7 million, in this case–must come from local funds.

• TVA says Tennessee nukes are just fine. In light of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami catastrophe, the TVA is braggin’ that all six of their nuclear reactors could have easily withstood that kind of event, mostly because they’ve installed backup power sources. Just to prove it, they’re opening up the facilities for a media tour this week.
• We’ll discover Jack, alright. Tennessee is launching a new campaign to encourage tourists to check out the state’s back roads and history, starting with the Discover Tennessee Jack Trail which ends at the Jack Daniel Distillery.
• Bits & pieces. In addition to bath salts, plant food is the latest household item being used to get high … Some folks are speculating that University of Tennessee might reach out to Belmont men’s basketball coach Rick Byrd as a possible replacement … There’s a slight chance we may see some severe weather this afternoon.

Photo by Amy Nelson.