Trustees hear public complaints about icy walkways and campus maintenance; administration vows follow-up

Public commenters told the Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees that untreated walkways and icy stairs on multiple campuses have created recurring safety hazards that led to injuries and near-misses, and they urged clearer maintenance protocols and faster responses.

Rich Clark described a Feb. 7 incident at the Woodruff Administration Building in which he slipped on wet steps during business hours, said he "emailed public safety right away [and] never heard back," and urged administrators to improve reporting and maintenance so problems are addressed more quickly.

Christina Lacek, a nursing instructor, told trustees a January 2023 incident left one of her students with a serious ankle injury after slipping on an icy campus walkway. Lacek said the walkway had not been treated, no warning signs or traction materials were available, and staff struggled to find a procedure or whom to contact. "The injury prevented her from participating in school anymore," Lacek said, adding the student later reenrolled and completed the program but paid full tuition again.

An administrator identified in the meeting as David acknowledged maintenance staff are often stretched and said he was "happy to follow-up" and would prioritize key areas during inclement weather. Trustee David Silverman asked administrators to place a discussion of inclement-weather safety on the next finance and facilities committee agenda so the committee can be fully informed about conditions and responses on campuses.

Trustees did not take formal action during the meeting; public commenters offered to share possible solutions with staff and the board indicated it would pursue follow-up through staff and committee review.