Though rumors circulated this past winter that Wayland Union Schools fired its snow plowing contractor were rebutted by school officials, it is apparent a new company will do the job when such services are needed next November.

Administrators are recommending the school board hire USA Earthworks of Martin to plow snow and do salting at all school parking lots at a cost of $2,695 per plowing for the next three years, with one-year options for a fourth and fifth year. The work had been done for the last three years by Green Lake Excavating at a cost of $3,093 per plowing.

Wayland Schools Superintendent Norm Taylor took issue with a Townbroadcast report last month that teachers complained that parking lots were not plowed Monday, Feb. 2, after a heavy snow and they contended they couldn’t gain access to the school buildings.

Taylor said, in a letter to the editor, “Contrary to false hearsay at last night’s (Feb. 2) City Council meeting, the school district has not fired its snow plowing service…

“The district currently has the same plowing service it has had for the past three years.

“As this is the final year of the contract, the district naturally is in the process of taking bids for a new snow plowing contract beginning with the 2015-2016 school year.  Someone apparently confused these two issues.

“As the district’s current contract is a pay-per-plow agreement, and with the forecast of continued snow fall and drifting until 7 a.m. Monday, plus an early cancellation of school Sunday night, the prudent decision was made to delay plowing until late Monday morning and only pay for a single plowing.

“Typically, plowing begins in the very early hours around the district so drives, sidewalks, and parking lots are cleared before employees and students report to school in the morning.  To avoid paying for multiple plowings, the district waited until the snow subsided Monday, then plowing began in a prioritized manner based on activities taking place in the district at the administrative offices, high school and then other schools in preparation for school on Tuesday.

“Keep in mind that with the volume of snow we had, it can take 10-12 hours to plow the entire district.

“Again, we would ask that you check your facts prior to disseminating false information.  In the future, you are welcome to send me an email so I could verify information.”

Townbroadcast had suggested that the school district was dissatisfied with plowing services, prompting the move to hire a company near the end of the winter plowing season.

Earthworks, which also does work for Otsego schools, was said to have a lot more snow removal equipment by Maintenance Supervisor John Huyck.

Taylor Monday night said he was delighted the company could do the work so cheaply.

“We thought we were doing pretty well with our current service,” he told the board Monday night. But this is even better. We were hoping to come out better (in price) this time.””

The schools have needed snow plowing services for only five closing days this year, as opposed to more than 10 in the winter of 2013-14.