ZCS FACILITIES TEAM WORKS AROUND THE CLOCK TO KEEP SCHOOL CAMPUSES AS CLEAR AS POSSIBLE

There are many layers of support in an organization dedicated to serving kids and families. Our Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS) facilities team is one such essential but often unseen layer of support.

From the first reports of a major winter storm, ZCS weather teams jump into storm prep mode. This detailed work begins before there is any snowfall.

"Long before there is any snow, the team ensures there is enough salt, sand, and tools available. Trucks are prepped, plows are attached and checked for condition, and the team makes sure there are extra parts and fluids in each plow truck," said ZCS Director of Operations Matt Doublestein.

"There is also a great deal of Transportation Department preparation work to ensure that school buses are in top condition to operate as safely as possible in bitter cold temperatures and on snow covered roads." 

ZCS facilities and all weather team staff, from the snow plow crew to the transportation leads to the "Morning Eyes" team, have worked around the clock and will continue that work to be ready for when students and staff are back in the school buildings. Our snow crew pros even made temporary sleeping quarters for themselves at various campuses so they could repeat their clearing efforts across the night. Otherwise, the large accumulation would have become too much to move. That's dedication.

Likewise, we have teachers who have prepared online lessons, campus leaders overseeing eLearning, and the technology department at the ready for connectivity issues that might arise.

"Snowstorms like this present a very real challenge for everyone, but it is easier when we all work together," said ZCS Superintendent of Schools Scott Robison.

"The facilities team is working tirelessly, and this morning I received a note about special education leader Katie O'Brien and associate superintendent Rebecca Coffman having gone above and beyond for a student. It was shared that Coffman had even weathered the storm to drop off a device for the child at a family's home. Mrs. Coffman was driving roads to check on our snow response when the call came in as she neared PVE, and she just made it happen."

This kind of extra effort and attention by ZCS team members contributes to making challenging times more manageable.

Winter weather disruptions to our regular school schedule can be tough, but our days are successful because of student, staff, and family efforts. We couldn't do it if we were not in this together.

We appreciate patience and grace as we navigate all things schooling during the biggest snowstorm of this season (so far)!

Take care. Stay warm. Be safe.

We are eager to have students back in buildings as soon as safely possible.