Mars School Board unanimously approved pushing back the original Aug. 31 first day of school for students to Sept. 8 in a special virtual meeting Thursday morning.

Superintendent Mark Gross said the reason for delaying the first day is because of backlogged shipping of supplies, not health concerns.

“We were very confident we would be able to start school next Monday,” Gross said. “The issues come with supplies.”

According to Gross, supplies ordered as recently as Wednesday now have delayed shipment dates. Among the technology supplies that's been ordered but hasn't arrived are cables, adapters and hubs. The district expects to receive these items by next week and have them installed by Sept. 8.

Moving the first day of school back doesn't change the last day of school. Prom and graduation dates will also remain the same.

“It's a very difficult decision,” said John Kennedy, school board president. “But it's something we've had to do just due to supply.”

Gross said the district's health and safety plan remains intact. The adjusted calendar will be posted on the district website.

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