Warren Superintendent Addresses Parents About Blizzard

Warren, NJ -- The following letter from Warren Township Schools Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Nastus was sent to parents Monday evening:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As you know, our area was hit with a record-setting blizzard this weekend. When the storm stopped late Saturday, our crews began plowing early Sunday. At Mt. Horeb School, the snow drifts were as high as 7 feet. Drifts at the other four schools were fortunately not as high, but, nevertheless, higher than our typical storms. In anticipation of the blizzard, we were fortunate to have secured a front end loader to assist us in our efforts. Still, the task has been enormous and our staff has been working tirelessly to prepare schools to reopen.

On Sunday, we were able to prepare 1 1/2 school buildings by plowing snow, clearing each roof, and cleaning out exhaust systems. Today, we cleared the parking lots, roofs and exhaust systems at 2 1/2 more buildings. Today’s clearing was further complicated by the melting snow which was heavier to move. As of late today, there remained one school building to clear as well as salting and additional cleaning at all sites (including the board office) to minimize ice in six parking lots and on sidewalks.

The Warren Township Public Works Department also has worked tirelessly these past few days and we thank them for their efforts. All 325 streets in the township are passable. Although we are disappointed in not being able to open tomorrow, we are not alone in this dilemma. Eleven other school districts in our county are experiencing snow-related problems and also are cancelling school tomorrow. Each district is responding to a record-
breaking storm. The foremost concern of our school district and others is to ensure the safety of our students

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Nastus, Ed.D

Interim Superintendent