WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA9) — WASHINGTON -- DC Public Schools parents were not upset that school was open on time Thursday, but they were upset the walkways were not treated.
Head Custodian Burt Lancaster at Anne Beers Elementary School in Ward 7 SE pulled out the school's supply of ice melt after the city was a no show.
“Don't wait for nobody. If they're supposed to do it but you can't think that they are, you have to come and be ready to do it," Lancaster told two trainees.
He was using this real-life disruption as a teachable moment, he trains all custodians for DC Public Schools.
“At one point we used to do this ourselves, so we're in a time where we just need to be ready...you got to take charge," he continued.
Over at Watkins Elementary School on Capitol Hill, the school custodian was treating the walkways. He told WUSA9 the city put down salt on the sidewalk but not the portion of the walkway and stairs to get into the school building.
The Department of General Services is responsible for the upkeep all school buildings and grounds.
When winter weather is forecast a crew typically treats by 4 a.m. or even the night before. That didn't happen.
DC mayor's spokesperson told WUSA9 their information at 4 a.m. called for temperatures above freezing with no accumulation.
Conditions changed by the time school started, but their decision did not. She now says the city will "review the process and likely make changes before the next storm."
