A late start to the school year is causing Randolph schools to remain open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Randolph is the only district in Morris County continuing operations on the holiday. District spokeswoman Fran Hopkins says construction at Randolph High School caused classes to begin more than a week late. Additionally, Randolph only had two snow days approved for the school year, one of which has already been cashed in.

District officials say this is a one-time occurrence and are promising students that schools will be closed in observation of the day next year. Three additional snow days have been approved for 2008-2009 also.

District parents have mixed feelings on the school?s decision to go ahead with classes. Some feel King?s day should be observed out of respect. ?He is somebody who was important in our country,? says parent Rob Piccolo.

Others feel the district is doing what is necessary. ?They really didn't have a choice,? says Randolph parent Carla Poulin. She says the district needs to hold on to its only remaining snow day in case of an emergency.

Randolph schools are planning assemblies and community service projects to commemorate the holiday and Dr. Martin Luther King?s legacy.