Wareham schools will be closed Monday because of the number of staff members who are ill, Superintendent of Schools Kimberly Shaver-Hood announced on the school district’s Web site.

“It is my hope we return on Tuesday, Jan. 4,’’ she wrote in the message.

An announcement will be made Monday about plans for the schools’ return, she wrote.

Monday had been scheduled as the opening day of the new Wareham Elementary School.