Plumbing, heating issues close 3 Hempstead schools

<p>Students tell News 12 they did not know of the closure until they got to school this morning.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jan 2, 2018, 5:35 PM

Updated 2,299 days ago

Share:

Three Hempstead High Schools were closed Tuesday due to plumbing and heating issues, much to the surprise of some students who arrived there earlier this morning.
Some parents say they were never informed about the issues at Hempstead High School, Prospect Elementary and Front Street Elementary School that kept the buildings closed.
News 12 obtained some photos from inside the high schools from the community group “Hempstead for Hempstead.” They appear to show water pooling near a staircase. The group says this is unacceptable and claims it could have been prevented.
"Parents were never informed ahead of time and that is a major health and safety concern,” says Carmen Ayala. “It is a failure of the superintendent and the person who is the acting head of facilities from securing the building."
Some Prospect School parents posted on social media that they were, in fact, warned ahead of time that pipes burst inside the school. One post read that "Prospect School have been calling since Saturday to inform the parents."
District Deputy Superintendent Varleton McDonald would only say that they were “in the process of repairing all of the issues that have occurred."
District officials say robocalls went to all parents as soon as the problems were discovered. They expect both Hempstead High School and Front Street School to reopen Wednesday, but Prospect will not be open. They say maintenance is still working to address all issues.


More from News 12
2:05
Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

1:35
Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

1:42
FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

0:22
East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

1:44
Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

2:28
Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

0:51
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road