With the winter season approaching Alden Central School District is getting prepared for the weather to come. We met with our Superintendent, Mr. Adam Stoltman. He gave us the information on the new supplies for this year, our new snow equipment, and his thoughts on this years preparedness. He took us on a trip to give us close up views of some of the equipment that assists the Buildings and Grounds team this time of year.

The school has ordered some new plows to help clear the parking lots along with 8 tons of stored salt. The salt will be used for the walkways so the students can safely get to school. Additionally, a new salter attachment for the back of the Gator makes salting the sidewalks much easier. Previously, we relied on staff to walk behind salters which was much harder as you would see in a large storm. For the larger salt spreader that maintains the driveways and parking lots, the district purchases salt from the Village of Alden which is stored right down the road at the DPW. School administrators put the winter staff into effect a couple weeks ago running three shifts in order to always be ready for a storm to hit.

Mr. Stoltman feels more prepared for this winter season than the past few years. The summer equipment has already been turned over for the winter season regarding salters and plows for the trucks. Staying ahead of the storms and keeping the students safe are the main concerns and top priority. Keeping the parking lots of the schools and the walkways clear make a large different when a storm hits during school hours. Making sure the buses can get the students from and to home during the winter season is a necessity and the winter star stays on top of the storms the best they can to ensure this.  After touring the Maintenance building and spending time with Mr. Stoltman, its safe to say that Alden is very prepared to keep our campuses clear and safe this winter season.