After last year's harsh winter, when blizzard after blizzard battered the Midwest, residents may be forgiven for hoping the coming season will be milder, but long-range forecasts indicate another cold, snowy winter may be on the way, which is likely to provide a challenge for Fairfield City Schools.
Schools are responsible for clearing their own driveways, sidewalks, and grounds, while townships and cities are responsible for plowing the roads. Thus, even if roads are passable, a school that does not have the supplies and personnel to clear its sidewalks and parking lots may be forced to close.
Superintendent Paul Otten explained the district had to borrow one of the city’s trucks last year when its own broke down. In order to avoid these closures, Fairfield's schools bought two brand-new trucks, complete with snowplows, last month; they will replace worn out equipment.
Last year, the schools borrowed 250 tons of salt from the city, and may have to borrow salt again. The salt shortage makes plowing the preferred method of clearing away snow and ice, making the vehicle purchase all the more desirable.
School officials could work with a flyer printing company to devise a mailer for residents, explaining the salt shortage and why the purchase of the trucks was necessary, should parents and other residents be concerned about these expenditures.
