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Board hears expanded pest inspections after reports of rodents at several Richland One schools
Summary
Following citizen complaints about rodents at Sanders and other schools, administration said the Department of Agriculture expanded an inspection, listed facility issues (ceiling tiles, gaps, uncovered drains, debris) and will return next week; remediation work has begun and the district said enforcement fines apply only after repeated violations.
Parents and board members raised repeated complaints about rodent activity and facility maintenance at several schools, including Sanders, Satchel Ford, Brennan and Southeast Middle. Robin Smith told the board she has family at Sanders and described rats visible in ceilings and classrooms.
Administration said the Department of Agriculture conducted an expanded inspection that included the cafeteria and other school spaces and produced findings that went beyond a routine kitchen inspection. Officials read a list of issues reported: damaged ceiling tiles with holes, gaps between floors and walls that can admit pests, multiple drains without covers, food debris under bleachers and in storage areas, and other sanitation concerns. The superintendent said the department would return next week for follow-up and that remediation had already begun.
Board members asked whether enforcement penalties apply immediately. Administration said monetary penalties (cited in the meeting as $1,000 per violation per day under South Carolina code and regulations) typically arise after repeated violations and follow-up inspections; the district's intent is to complete corrective work before such enforcement occurs. Administrators also said the district has spent tens of thousands of dollars on corrective measures such as door sweeps and streamlined reporting to the pest‑control vendor to accelerate response.
The board urged prompt follow-up for other schools with complaints. Administration said it had begun repairs the night of the inspection and will continue working to raise site conditions and prepare for the returning inspection.
