FCPS' Winter Weather Warriors Clear the Path for Learning

While the FCPS community has been taking advantage of our recent snow days to rest, enjoy the weather, and try out  fun winter-themed learning opportunities , more than 1,000 members of Team FCPS have been hard at work with snow preparation and cleanup efforts.

In order to support the more than 28 million square feet of building space across our 199 schools and centers, FCPS has more than 40,000 parking spaces and more than 400 acres of paved area. These all need to be treated, cleared, and maintained during snow events, in addition to sidewalks, entrances, and internal road networks across our school and administrative sites.

Meeting the Challenge

During this recent storm, long periods of sleet and bitterly cold temperatures created especially difficult conditions because ice accumulation limited the effectiveness of standard snow removal and treatment methods. But FCPS’ heroic team —  including Office of Facilities Management staff (equipment operators, supervisors, and support staff), custodial personnel, transportation staff, and other division staff — rose to the challenge. With extended operations, additional treatment cycles, and ongoing monitoring, they worked tirelessly to maintain safe conditions across school sites.

The ability to prepare, respond, and recover effectively from a winter weather event depends on a coordinated, multi-department approach. Approximately 1,400 custodians helped remove snow and ice at school sites across the division, particularly focusing on sidewalks, entrances, and building access points. Hundreds of bus drivers and transportation staff also assisted with clearing buses and supporting transportation readiness. Even while schools are still closed because of the weather, facilities still need to be accessible so that families can access healthy, nutritious meals through FCPS’  snow day meal kits program.

How FCPS’ Team Prepares

Days before a winter weather event begins, Team FCPS follows a structured process to make sure that staff, equipment, and facilities are fully ready. This includes:

• Inspecting and positioning snow removal equipment.
• Performing mechanical checks and addressing any maintenance needs.
• Performing an inventory of fuel supplies, salt, sand, and other materials, and replenishing as needed.
• Placing building systems in “occupied mode” so that buildings stay warm and freeze-related issues are prevented.
• Placing staff members on alert and adjusting schedules for extended coverage,

FCPS also confirms availability and mobilization plans with the snow removal vendors who supplement FCPS’ in-house staff. FCPS currently has five contracted snow removal vendors who operate in extended rotations and can provide near-continuous coverage during peak storm periods. 

Ready, Set, Snow!

A few hours before the snow is set to start, staff arrive to begin staging equipment, positioning vehicles, and preparing sites. Active snow removal generally starts after about two inches of snow has accumulated, and continues throughout the storm and into the post-storm period.

As the snow falls, the focus is on maintaining access to school sites, including primary travel paths, parking lots, and critical access routes. Parking lots and driving surfaces are treated with rock salt and sand to improve traction and reduce refreezing throughout the weather event. 

When conditions stabilize, the priority shifts to supporting transportation by clearing parking areas and freeing buses. This is followed by additional cleanup, after custodial teams have cleared off sidewalks and building entrances. 

In heavier snow events, such as the most recent storm, operations may also include hauling and relocating large snow piles off school sites to maintain safe circulation and parking capacity.