School District 43 expects to spend $1 million to clear snow this winter season, nearly 10 times more than in a typical school year, trustees were told Tuesday.
Superintendent Patricia Gartland said crews kept parking lots clear, ensuring that schools were able to stay open even in as much of the region was blanketed in snow over several weeks.
It costs as much as $52,000 a day to clear snow from around the district's 70 schools and education facilities so it didn't take long for the district to outspend the $120,000 it usually budgets for snow clearing.
In an amendment to the current budget, SD43 is adding $880,000 to the amount needed for snow clearing. The board was told that $120,000 is typically sufficient and the district spends less then half that in a typical winter.
Funds to pay for the additional snow clearing come out of the district's operating budget, which has a surplus this year largely because of additional revenues from international education.
Heavy snows have also delayed the move of Centennial secondary students and staff into new facilities next door.
Ivano Cecchini, the district's assistant secretary treasurer for facilities and planning, said most of the interior of the new building is complete but snow has hampered the construction of walkways and entries.
He would not confirm a possible opening date but did say the school's auto technology apartment has already moved into new digs and the delays aren't costing the district any additional money.
