School Districts to Remain Closed Monday

Citing continuing lack of power and dangerous roads, both Huntington and South Huntington school districts said Sunday that they will continue to be closed Monday.

While Huntington said it would reassess on Monday, South Huntington said it would remain shut until Wednesday.

South Huntington superintendent David Bennardo said power has not been restored at Maplewood or the District Office and the Oakwood Primary Center had lost power again.  Continuing problems with a lack of power for staff and district residents also is a concern. But it is the roads of biggest concern.

"We just drove the neighborhoods and found conditions only slightly improved," Bennardo said. "We still have at least two dozen impassible roads and downed trees and low wires continue to be a problem."

Bennardo said, "We are hoping to be able to have the staff in on Tuesday for planning and preparation purposes.  If the streets are still congested, we will ask the transportation department to develop alternate pick up sites for Wednesday.  At this point, we are going to put all of our efforts into returning our students to school on Wednesday."

Maplewood is scheduled to serve as a polling place in the national election Tuesday. No information was immediately available about any plans regarding polling places that lack power.

Huntington superintendent James W. Polansky cited road, power and gasoline conditions as concerns. Two district schools, Woodhull and Flower Hill, are still without power. Many neighborhoods, he said, could not be reached by bus.

 Because many residents are without power, Huntington High School will serve Monday as a warming and charging site between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult over 21 years of age.