MANSFIELD — Mansfield City and St. Peter’s schools are among those who missed most if not all of classes this past week.
A dramatic snow event that dumped more than 10 inches of snow on the region, followed by plunging temperatures and bitter wind chill have been major culprits. Another factor that plays into the overall scenario is covered sidewalks.
Mansfield City Schools Superintendent Brian Garverick has appealed to the public to clear sidewalks of snow and ice for the safety of students who walk to school.
“We have a large number of students, including elementary school children, who regularly walk to school,” Garverick said. “If sidewalks are not cleared of snow and ice, children are forced to walk in the street. We do not want that.”
Even as streets are cleared, sidewalks that remain covered pose a danger to students and impact the decision to close schools, he said.
“I am asking Mansfield residents – homeowners, renters and those who own apartment properties – to clear sidewalks of snow and ice,” Garverick said. “The public can do much to help us assure the safety of all students.”
Dave Remy, Mansfield’s Public Works/Human Resources Director echoed Garverick’s sentiments
While the area has just gone through its worst snow fall in a number of decades and while conditions are steadily improving, the City would like to remind all property owners that the cleaning and removal of snow from sidewalks is the responsibility of each property owner,” Remy said. “Clean sidewalks enhance the safety of people who walk or use public transportation and children trying to get directly to school or a school bus stop.”
Temperatures are expected to remain well below freezing with sporadic light snow forecast offering little accumulation for the next several days.
