TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — School districts across North Texas are dealing with the aftermath of winter weather that left parking lots and sidewalks covered in ice and snow, and forced classes to be canceled, but preparation for those conditions started days earlier.

At Arlington ISD, Facility Service crews were already meeting and planning before the winter weather arrived.

“We had a sit-down and kind of had a game plan,” Arlington ISD Facilities Lead Foreman Aldo Perez said.

Those preparations included gathering equipment and materials needed to respond once temperatures dropped. Perez shared that his crews are dedicated despite the risks that come with traveling from campus to campus during inclement weather to check on school buildings and district offices. This winter season, Arlington ISD made plans to be ready.

“We gathered up any potential material that we needed. Like, this tractor that you see in the back; we have spreaders out there,” Perez said.

From shovels clearing sidewalks to a backhoe working through staff parking lots, Perez and his team focused on making campuses like Wood Elementary safe for students and staff when school reopens.

“Clearing up any potential hazard in any entry and exit point surrounding the building,” Perez said.

For him, the work comes down to protecting students.

“It’s all about the kids here at the district. I think every district is the same way,” Perez said.

Similar preparations were underway at Fort Worth ISD campuses well before the storm moved in.

“Meetings are going on well before the storm arrives,” Fort Worth ISD News and Information Manager Jessica Becerra said.

At schools like W.M. Green Elementary, crews plan to return to finish clearing ice and snow from sidewalks to ensure students who walk to campus can do so safely. District officials are also considering safety concerns for students who ride the bus or drive themselves.

“They wait for the bus, we have student drivers, who are new drivers. So, we definitely take everything into consideration,” Becerra said.

Another priority for districts is making sure campus heating systems are working properly. This week, one Fort Worth ISD campus was already dealing with cleanup from a water leak blamed on the winter freeze.

Whether addressing hazards outside or issues inside school buildings, Perez said his team understands the responsibility they carry, especially for the students.

“Their safety is our priority,” Aldo Perez said.

The goal, district leaders say, is to ensure teachers and students can safely return to classrooms and get back to teaching and learning once conditions improve.