School Start Pushed Back One Day

Superintendent of Schools Barbara Duncan has announced that due to the power outage, the school year's start will be delayed by at least one day.

The delay is because the schools haven't been cleaned, classrooms have not been set up, and the facility is without lights and communication systems, she said.  

The Board of Education meeting and staff development days have also both been postponed. Her email message to parents is reprinted below. 

Rumors of a bed bug infestation prompted the school district to bring in an egg-sniffing dog early Tuesday morning to check out the high school, which was used as a short-term shelter for 500 Bayshore-area evacuees last weekend during Hurricane Irene.

"There is absolutely no sign of any bugs, lice, etc.," said Superintendent Duncan Tuesday afternoon. "They gave us the all-clear. We heard the rumor, and we did our due diligence." 

This is a message from Barbara Duncan, Superintendent of Schools.

Given the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and its impact on the Holmdel Township School District, it has become necessary to make changes that impact on the beginning of the school year.

There are three important messages that I wish to share with the Holmdel Staff and school community:

First - The Board of Education Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 31, 2011 will be rescheduled for Wednesday, September 7, 2011 - same time and place.

Second - The Professional Development Day for staff only has been rescheduled for Tuesday, September 6, 2011.  Due to the power facilities at the schools, no staff will be allowed in the schools before Tuesday, September 6, 2011.

Third - The first full day of school for students will be Wednesday, September 7, 2011.

Also, communication systems for the school district are currently not in operation.

If power is not restored to the school district within the next few days, it may become necessary to make further changes and you will be notified accordingly.

Thank you and have a safe day.

Barbara Duncan, Superintendent of Schools