Twelve New York schools with 5,400 students and staff finally reopened Monday after repairs in the wake of superstorm Sandy, the mayor's office said.

However, another 18 schools still remained closed because of flooding damage from the October 29 storm, one of the strongest to hit the New York area. Students were being provided with alternative facilities, but often at major inconvenience.

Last week, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the release of $500 million for emergency repairs to still shuttered schools and three hospitals.