How MMSD Prepares for Winter Weather

As winter approaches, MMSD’s Building Services teams shift into high gear to prepare for the challenges of snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Their work, largely invisible to the public, ensures that school grounds are safe and operational, even in the most extreme weather conditions.

The preparation starts with transitioning from summer to winter tasks. By late October, all plows are inspected, greased and ready for deployment. The district’s fleet includes 18 to 20 plow trucks and three dedicated “snow fighter” trucks for salting operations, supplemented by specialized equipment at each high school, such as skid-steer loaders and tractors with plow attachments. 

Custodians play a crucial role in early morning snow removal, clearing entryways and sidewalks before 7 a.m. Grounds crews may be called in the middle of the night, depending on snowfall and temperature conditions, to ensure that school lots are plowed and safe for staff and students by morning. 

“Our district is entirely self-sufficient when it comes to snow removal,” Assistant Director of Operations - Buildings & Grounds Dean Kunz said. “There’s no outside contractor handling this. It’s our grounds team and custodians doing the work while most people are still asleep.” 

When it comes to salting parking lots and walkways, MMSD follows the guidance of leading experts by collaborating with Wisconsin Salt Wise, a coalition of organizations working together to reduce salt pollution in local lakes, streams and drinking water. Teams are mindful of when and where to salt, and use a specialized blend that is safer for the environment. 

In addition to snow management, maintenance teams ensure that over 100 district boilers remain operational. Many of these boilers have exceeded their expected lifespan, but remain operational due to the in-house steamfitters who keep them running, according to Assistant Director of Facilities Maintenance Mike MacDonald. 

“We have roles for 30 tradespeople, so that's a pretty drastic ratio to take care of 5 million square feet of buildings,” MacDonald said. “I think just the fact that we are able to maintain these buildings with the funding and the staff we have is probably what people don't know.”

The Building Services Department also plays a role in the decision-making process about potential school closures due to severe weather. The safety of students and staff is always the top priority. MMSD monitors weather conditions and consults with meteorologists, the City of Madison and transportation providers when severe winter weather hits, including snowstorms and frigid temperatures. 

Families are notified directly via email, text and robocall when school is canceled, either the day/evening before or early on the morning of a closure. Information is also posted on the MMSD website and social media channels, and shared with local news outlets.