By Kevin Hanson, The Courier-Herald

Because their building isn't quite ready, students at White River High School are receiving an extra two days of summer vacation.

All other buildings in the district opened for business, as planned, Tuesday morning. At White River High School, however, the opening bell won't ring until Thursday. The decision was made Thursday and a letter immediately went out to parents and guardians of White River High students; the district also has an automated phone system that is supposed to contact the home of every student (dialing repeatedly until someone answers, or an answering machine is activated).

In his letter to parents, Superintendent Jay Hambly said the two-day delay is "due to uncertainties of occupancy and our concern for student and staff safety.

Because the delayed opening is considered an emergency, the state will not require students to make up the days. Also, the later start will not change the district's plan for the first day: Ninth- and 10-graders will still begin school at 7:25 and be dismissed at 10 a.m.; buses will deliver those students home using their normal routes and, at the same time, pick up juniors and seniors. They will attend from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com