Babylon School District has decided to close all schools within the district on Monday and Tuesday of next week, bringing the total days closed by the storm to seven.
The district made the announcement via automated phone calls and email earlier this afternoon after a meeting by the Superintendent and Board of Education.
"I'm sorry to have to inform you that our district schools are to remain closed this Monday and Tuesday, November 5th and November 6th," wrote Superintendent Richard Rozakis in his message to district parents. "Although LIPA and NationalGrid are working as quickly as they can, our different schools lack electricity, heat, gas, or hot water and conditions change daily."
In addition, the Board of Education meeting scheduled for Monday evening was postponed two weeks until November 14th – the second board meeting cancelled by Hurricane Sandy's aftermath.
Gas was cut off to the high school today, according to Rozakis, so NationalGrid could fix gas mains throughout the village.
"Due to increasing gasoline scarcity and the numerous traffic lights that are still out, travel remains difficult," he wrote. "I am mindful of the hardships many of our Babylon families and our staff are facing, but I have witnessed neighbors helping neighbors and a firm resolve to overcome all obstacles together."
He added: "I am ever hopeful that Wednesday, November 7th will be the day we welcome back all of our students and staff to a safe and warm environment and the certainty that all can resume their excellent work."
West Babylon Schools also announced they would not reopen until next Wednesday earlier today.
