Schools Assess Ability to Reopen

Both Huntington and South Huntington school districts are still assessing whether they can reopen Monday after a week's absence caused by Hurricane Sandy.

Continuing power outages, communications problems and impassabe roads are among the problems facing both school systems.

The Huntington district Friday afternoon cited downed trees and wires as a major factor. Superintendent James W. Polansky said that if classes do resume Monday, Tuesday will be an  instructional attendance day for students. and parent/teacher conferences will be canceled.  Six of the eight district buildings have power; Flower Hill and Woodhull do not.

Polansky said the district will place another district-wide call, probably Sunday, to update parents.

Canceled or postponed because of the storm are:
* SAT/SAT II at Huntington High School postponed to Saturday, Nov.17.
* Driver Education for Nov.3 canceled
* Weekend playoff games postponed, new dates to be announced when released by Section XI
* Huntington High School Open House scheduled for Monday postponed, new date to be announced next week

In South Huntington, school superintendent Dr. David Bennardo said that as of 5 p.m. Friday, power is still out at Maplewood, Silas, Memorial, and the District Office.

The storm's biggest damage was inflicted on Whitman High School, which lost parts of its roof covering 16 classrooms and locker rooms. He said the school's leaders will find alternate spaces if classes resume.

But, citing the same concerns about road access and safety, Bennardo said it was unclear that the district could reopen Monday, but that a decision would be made on Sunday.

Although we hope to be able to safely return our students and staff to school on Monday, we must, of course, be sure that conditions are safe and the welfare of our students and staff is protected," he said.

Canceled or postponed at South Huntington are the SAT exams, rescheduled for Nov. 17.

Weekend playoff games, with new dates undetermined