Aside from the immediate flooding caused by the fast snow melt; the warmer weather has been a blessing, and a relief, as it has reduced some of our snow levels and weight on our school roofs. Earlier this week an independent structural engineer confirmed that we were below snow weight limits on our roofs, but we wanted to be more confident by allowing another day of melting and snow removal. In addition, you will continue to see snow removal teams at different schools in preparation for any future significant snowfalls. For example, the Washington National Guard is sending some 200 soldiers to the Spokane area tomorrow and will be assisting in our snow removal efforts.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience during the last several days while we analyzed the situation and then took necessary action while our schools were closed. We understand that it is an extra burden on families to make arrangements for childcare, but our informed decision to close schools these past few days was to better assure student and staff safety. Inclement weather closures are based on the consideration of many different items and aspects of total school operations. (i.e. icy and flooding roads for our buses, roof weight load capacities, hazardous walking conditions, berms blocking views and access to bus stops, fire access, etc.)We anticipate that our buses will be running regular bus routes, however, they will be chained up to get through neighborhoods and will be running slower on clear pavement. Parents should anticipate late buses for the next few days. We would ask that you:
- Dress your children in warm clothing and appropriate shoes for going outside, and in bright colors for drivers to easily see them.
- Remind them to walk facing traffic, in single file, and avoid walking on berms.
- Keep sidewalks open so children do not have to walk in the street.
- For parents who drive their students to school, please be patient in our parking lots and drive VERY slowly coming and going from school. The berms are so high that it is sometimes impossible to see small children approaching the street.
We do appreciate our Mead School District maintenance, custodial, and transportation departments, who have worked extremely hard preparing for the safe return of our students to their classrooms. Our parking lots and sidewalks have been plowed and shoveled as best as they can be, along with clearing snow off our portable classroom roofs and other problem areas. We are anticipating more moisture in the form of rain tonight that could hamper our ability to have a safe opening. If need be, please look for website updates that will keep you all informed.We are anxious to get our schools up and running again so we can get back to what we do best and that is to educate our Mead children.
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