How does MCPS snow removal work?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Right, so we want MCPS to spend hundreds of thousands on snow and ice removal, only needed once every couple of years and not more teachers, more paraedicators, replacing old/broken HVAC systems.

I think there is a lot wrong with MCPS, but being bad with occasional big snow/ice removal is not on my bingo card

They need the money for their lawyers to keep losing in court.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Right, so we want MCPS to spend hundreds of thousands on snow and ice removal, only needed once every couple of years and not more teachers, more paraedicators, replacing old/broken HVAC systems.

I think there is a lot wrong with MCPS, but being bad with occasional big snow/ice removal is not on my bingo card

I at least want them to be smart and efficient in using the staffing they have.

And four out of the last five winters we have had 3+ snow days. This is not an occasional need.

[Anonymous]

So is it building/janitorial staff who clear school lots/sidewalks, or contractors, or both?

Also, do we think they're going to be taking the weekend off (assuming school is closed tomorrow)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So is it building/janitorial staff who clear school lots/sidewalks, or contractors, or both?

Also, do we think they're going to be taking the weekend off (assuming school is closed tomorrow)?

It’s probably both but the bigger issue is now everyone has their streets plowed to get out.

[Anonymous]

They have paused sidewalk clearing enforcement until Monday. If sidewalks at schools and to schools are not mostly cleared, and bus loops are not ready, schools will remain closed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They have paused sidewalk clearing enforcement until Monday. If sidewalks at schools and to schools are not mostly cleared, and bus loops are not ready, schools will remain closed.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1311834.page

[Anonymous]

Bring in the kids who need SSL hours to help!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They have paused sidewalk clearing enforcement until Monday. If sidewalks at schools and to schools are not mostly cleared, and bus loops are not ready, schools will remain closed.

DC also paused sidewalk cleaning enforcement but DCPS is open today with a 2 hour delay. The two things don’t necessarily need to be linked.

[Anonymous]

Omg- what schools admin is asking for staff to come and help? I have never heard of this in all my years in MCPS. Teachers should not be asked to come in to volunteer- the county needs to pay for snow removal services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are *supposed* to work with the hundreds of county contractors to get the snow removed. Have you seen what it looks like out there? This is not something typical building service workers can clear out alone and are not required to beyond keeping grounds. It is ICEHY you need heavy duty stuff. Parking lots are ice skating rinks. Bus loops. Walkways. Playgrounds to some extent, usually those aren't cleared. But community can rally and start shoveling out the playgrounds it is YOUR public space.

A friend’s DH drives a school bus. He and fellow drivers are concerned about making turns at intersections that have been made “passable” for cars, but not long vehicles like buses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bring in the kids who need SSL hours to help!

Legal liability for MCPS.

Plus, the kids who need hours are usually not those with their own transportation and time on their hands.

They are usually poor teens caring for much younger siblings while parents work two jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bring in the kids who need SSL hours to help!

I asked my school admin about this and they said no

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bring in the kids who need SSL hours to help!

Legal liability for MCPS.

Plus, the kids who need hours are usually not those with their own transportation and time on their hands.

They are usually poor teens caring for much younger siblings while parents work two jobs.

Hearing the Poolesvilles football and wrestling teams were out yesterday volunteering in neighborhoods but not actually on school property

[Anonymous]

I saw a team of literally 10 people working on sidewalks at WJ yesterday.

That said, it is impossible to walk to school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are *supposed* to work with the hundreds of county contractors to get the snow removed. Have you seen what it looks like out there? This is not something typical building service workers can clear out alone and are not required to beyond keeping grounds. It is ICEHY you need heavy duty stuff. Parking lots are ice skating rinks. Bus loops. Walkways. Playgrounds to some extent, usually those aren't cleared. But community can rally and start shoveling out the playgrounds it is YOUR public space.

I think some school PTAs were assisting with snow removal

Yes but it takes a lot of work. You need more than a few shovels and kind hearted folks (or more like parents who have to show up for work tomorrow and need childcare)

It’s more like people who want to feel virtuous because a few parents investing 90 min shoveling at Prosperity For a Lucky Few ES will not open the entire system nor ensure their children’s teachers can leave their neighborhoods to make it to the school.