A new elementary school in Halifax will not be opening in time for the next school year to start in September.

Suzy Hansen, MLA for Halifax-Needham says families have been waiting for years for St. Joseph’s Alexander MacKay Elementary to open and now they have to wait even longer.

In a post on social media, Hansen says, these delays are unacceptable with parents frustrated and upset.

“SJAM students and parents having been waiting far too long with delay after delay. Our children deserve better,” says Hansen.

Hansen adds, students in affluent areas are not having to wait as long.

Families found out about the delay in a letter from the provincial education and public works departments.

They say they share in the awful news and disappointment.

“We acknowledge how disruptive this news is, especially to your children and your families plans for the next school year,” says the letter.

The memo goes on to say that the situation has been “unexpectedly complicated” with Public Works adding more trades workers and contractors who will work overtime to complete the project.

The school was originally scheduled to be completed in the winter of 2024 and will house pre-primary to Grades 6.

It is now expected to be open midway through the 2025/26 year.