UPDATE: West Hempstead Schools Opening Tuesday for Staff, Wednesday for Students

There has been a change in plans for West Hempstead School District staff.

Although the district had originally told its employees to report to work on Nov. 5, Superintendent John Hogan told Patch Sunday that the district's schools will remain closed Monday. Instead, all faculty and staff will need to come in Tuesday at 8 a.m. This week's parent-teacher conferences have all been canceled and will be re-scheduled.

Students will report for classes, Wednesday, Nov. 7, as originally planned. 

"The West Hempstead School District has continued to monitor the impact of Hurricane Sandy upon our district and community," Hogan told Patch. He said the decision to delay the opening of the district's schools for its staff was based on a number of factors.

"A significant number of power outages still exist within West Hempstead and throughout Long Island. These outages include many traffic signals," he said. "Power lines are still being repaired and fallen trees cleared. Also, gas shortages continue. "

By Friday evening, all power had been restored to the district's five schools.

As for Tuesday's elections, Hogan said, "We have been in touch with the Board of Elections, and polling places at George Washington School and West Hempstead Middle School will be open as scheduled on Nov. 6 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Related: 

• West Hempstead Bringing Aid to 'Forgotten' Island Park