The Hempstead school district is delaying the start to the new school year

The Hempstead school district is delaying the start to the new school year

A masked schoolchild raises his arm to answer his teacher during a class in Bischheim, outside Strasbourg, eastern France, Tuesday, Sept.1, 2020. Millions of French children starting going back to class Tuesday despite a recent rise in virus infections, in a nationwide experiment aimed at bridging inequalities and reviving the economy. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

The School district unions say they reached a decision late Tuesday night to delay the opening of schools after officials learned of a number of concerns.

Teachers Association President Nicole Brooks says poor ventilation is at the top of the list, along with an apparent lack of PPE and signage.

District officials disputed that claim and gave members of the media a tour of the school Wednesday. The high school’s principal says the buildings are cleaned and ready for students and staff to return, but, “We’re a district so if there’s a district decision – we’re going to support that decision.”

Students were supposed to start classes Sept. 8. Officials say staff will return on Sept. 8, but remote learning will be pushed back to the following week, and hybrid learning will begin Sept. 22.

(Photo AP Images)