Melanie Lekocevic is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the first day of school in the Catskill school district has been pushed back to September 13, because of its summer renovation project, not COVID-19. The delay was approved by the board of education Wed., Aug. 11, at the recommendation of Superintendent Ronel Cook. The first day of school was originally supposed to be September 9. Cook said in a letter to the community, “My recommendation has nothing to do with COVID and/or reopening plans. Summer capital project work is occurring at both the elementary and middle schools. The contractor has indicated that both buildings will be turned over to the district by or before August 28, .... This will not provide ample time for teacher set-up [and] preparation, thorough cleaning and relocating staff, who are temporarily located at the high school, back to their assigned locations.” The delayed start will not have an impact on the school calendar. Major renovations and upgrades occurred districtwide during the summer, but the bulk of the work was done in the elementary and middle schools, Cook said. That work included upgrades to heating, ventilation and air-conditioning units; new shelf construction; window replacement; roofing; and wiring to enhance internet access and more. Cook apologized to the school community for the delayed start date, and he encouraged anyone with questions or concerns to contact him directly at 518-943-4696. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.