The Building Services Department has 13 dedicated employees who are responsible for removing snow on all Madison School District properties.

Bob Darm, Assistant Director of Building Services, watches the weather closely, and determines when to call in the grounds workers and equipment operators.

The latest that snow plowing can start, and still plow all the parking lots before school starts, is 2:00A.M.   When snow is heavy, staff members are asked to start as early as 11:00 P.M.

"The equipment operators have a lot of ground to cover, in a relatively short period of time. They do an excellent job keeping our parking lots and sidewalks safe" says Darm.

Building Services has 13 vehicles fitted for plows, with another 3 vehicles used as spares.  In addition, each of the high schools are responsible for plowing their own snow.

When it continues to snow through the morning, it may appear that some lots were not plowed at all. Actually, this is not the case; these lots were likely the first ones plowed on a particular driver's route, and continued snowfall has left the lot snow-covered again.

The building custodians are responsible for plowing and spreading salt on the sidewalks around the schools. Building Services only uses rock salt for ice melting; no chemical ice melt is used.

Should Schools Be Closed?

In the event of severe weather, Bob Darm, Doug Pearson, Director of Building Services, and Roger Price, Assistant Supt. for Business Service, discuss the snow plowing progress, the weather conditions, and they talk to the City Streets Department, Madison, Metro, and the busing companies.

This information is passed on by 5:30 A.M. to the superintendent, who makes the final decision on school closing. 

The complete school closing procedure and other information for families and staff about severe weather days can be viewed by clicking here.