Key Highlights
- Arlington ISD and Fort Worth ISD prepared for winter weather well in advance.
- Crews focused on making schools safe by clearing ice and snow from entry points.
- District officials emphasized the importance of student safety during harsh conditions.
- Preparations included gathering necessary equipment and materials before the storm hit.
Arlington ISD: A Proactive Approach to Winter Weather
And Arlington ISD didn’t wait for the first snowflake. They had a sit-down meeting days earlier, planning out their strategy. Facility Service crews were already on alert, ready to tackle any icy challenges.
“We had a game plan,” Aldo Perez, Arlington ISD Facilities Lead Foreman, told me.
Preparation was key.
The team gathered equipment like spreaders and even tractors that would be needed once the temperatures dropped. “Like this tractor in the back; we have spreaders out there,” Perez explained. Shovels were for clearing sidewalks, while a backhoe worked on staff parking lots. Their goal? Clearing any potential hazard around school buildings.
“Clearing up any entry and exit points is crucial,” Perez said. “It’s all about the kids here at the district.”
Fort Worth ISD: Similar Preparations, Different Priorities
But Fort Worth ISD had their own proactive measures in place well before the storm moved in. Jessica Becerra, News and Information Manager, said, “Meetings are going on well before the storm arrives.” At W.M. Green Elementary, crews planned to return after classes resumed to clear ice from sidewalks for walking students.
“We definitely take everything into consideration,” Becerra added, mentioning safety concerns for bus riders and new student drivers.
The Importance of Safety Above All
District leaders across the board emphasized their commitment to student safety. “Their safety is our priority,” Aldo Perez stated firmly.
So while other districts were scrambling to address the immediate aftermath of winter weather, these two ISDs had already taken steps to ensure that students could return to a safe environment once conditions improved.
You might think this is new, but… it’s not. Arlington and Fort Worth ISDs have been setting an example for proactive safety planning in the face of severe weather conditions.
