Resident urges action as rat infestation near Alfred Vail School forces home evacuations, cites gaps between township and district

Rosemary Mono (15 Country Lane) told the board she and neighbors have suffered persistent rat sightings and property damage she associated with conditions near Alfred Vail School. "There's a rat issue going on at Vail School that needs to be addressed, seriously addressed," she said, describing a neighbor who had to evacuate their home for three months and noting she had photographs she offered the board.

Mono criticized what she described as unclear responsibility between the township and the school for off-site garbage and dumpsters. She said traps appeared only near the cafeteria and not around the school perimeter and that dumpsters were often unsecured at night. "My neighbors spent $14,000 between hotels, extermination, having your house fixed," she said.

The board responded that it had met with Morris Township, that some of the disturbance was tied to ground work and activity near the railroad tracks, and that the infestation affects areas outside the school building. A board representative said the district would redouble efforts, work with the township and follow up with the resident after the meeting.

Why it matters: The complaint raises student- and neighborhood-safety concerns tied to vermin and unsecured waste at or near school property and points to intergovernmental coordination issues about responsibility for off-site areas.

What’s next: District staff said they will follow up with the resident and continue to coordinate with the township on perimeter cleanup and trap placement.