Because of the deteriorating health of the spiritual leader of Satmar Hasidim in Kiryas Joel, the Monroe School District may close schools in the event of his funeral.

Satmar Grand Rebbe Moses Teitelbaum is in ailing health after a stroke. His condition has caught the eye of local law enforcement who are aware that his funeral is planned to be held in Kiryas Joel. Fearing almost 50,000 mourners may be driving through the major roads of Woodbury for a funeral, school officials sent a letter to parents Wednesday. The letter informs parents of the possibility of the school district closing should the rebbe's funeral be held on a school day.

Most residents say they understand the traffic concerns of the school district. However, they say closing down schools is unfair to the parents and the students. But school officials say if the rebbe's funeral will put student's and faculty's safety in jeopardy, they will close the schools.