Completion of 2 Houston elementary schools delayed because of virus

Two elementary schools under construction in the Houston district will not be ready in June because of a shortage of workers amid the Covid-19 pandemic,

KTRK-TV reports that completion of Kolter and Braeburn elementary schools has been pushed back to August.

"We know these four school communities are eager to move into their new schools," Construction Services Officer Derrick Sanders says. "As we address these challenges, we will continue to work in a manner that ensures everyone's health and safety while also resulting in schools that inspire pride in these communities."

Both schools sustained significant damage in 2017 from Hurricane Harvey and are being rebuilt.

[FROM 2017: Houston board approves plans to demolish and rebuild 4 hurricane-damaged schools]

Construction on the schools began in 2018. Kolter's $23 million building will be able to house up to 650 students. Braeburn is a $30 million project, with a capacity of 900 students.