District 88 facilities faring well through tough winter weather

For all of us in DuPage County, this winter has been particularly challenging – and District 88 is no exception.

The district consists of two campuses and one administration building. With this winter being what it has been, these facilities come with a wide array of heating systems and snow removal equipment. Much of our heating equipment was upgraded during the Building The Future project a few years ago, which has helped us deal with the temperatures we have been having.

As you might know, our district, as well as surrounding districts and businesses, has closed for a total of four days so far this season because of extreme temperatures. Throughout those times, I am pleased to report all heating systems were pushed to their limits and responded very well thanks to constant upkeep and monitoring. We’ve certainly faced challenges because of the weather, but they have been smaller in nature and did not have any impact on the decision to close.

Along with the heating systems running at full capacity, so has the snow removal equipment. District 88 has had to push and clear record amounts of snow and ice at all locations. In passing by the facilities, you might have seen snow being moved into stadiums, retention areas or piled onto the middle of a field. We have used those areas because there hasn’t been a chance for the snow to melt. During the winter months, the grounds crew works very long and hard to remove snow and ice on all sidewalks, driving areas and parking lots. Safety is the No. 1 priority at District 88 – not only inside the buildings, but on all areas of the property.

Salt is in demand, but we have a good supply and are working with our villages for rock salt for our parking lots and bus drives.

We are all looking forward to a change in weather pattern to get back to more average temperatures and snowfall levels. But until then, be assured District 88 facilities are committed to operating as normal.