CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools employee is raising major safety concerns about the district's schools ranging from classroom doors unable to lock during lockdowns to issues with fire safety inspections and old, dirty schools.
Channel 9 has reported on several CMS' health inspections such as roaches and rat droppings found at Cochrane Collegiate Academcy, but an employee with Building Services said that is just the beginning.
The employee said he has been reaching out to CMS leaders, the county, and local towns. Monday, he reached out to Channel 9's Education Reporter Elsa Gillis, saying the problems have not been fixed.
The employee sent a letter to local officials in late 2018, stating, "The reality is what the news reports is only the tip of the iceburg" when it comes to health inspection under the current director.
The letter goes on to say "schools can go weeks with malfunctioning locks and classrooms that cannot secure. Window blinds are damaged or missing and some schools have been unable to properly lockdown because of simple maintenance issues."
The employee added in the letter that many schools have "repeat and unaddressed issues on fire safety inspections."
[ [ALSO READ: Health inspector gives East Meck High School poor rating due to trash problems] ]
Last week, Channel 9 reported on roaches, rat droppings, and an unattached sink in a girls restroom found during a health inspection at Cochrane Collegiate Academy.
RECENT INSPECTIONS:
- Devonshire Elementary: In October, an inspector observed "microbial growth" in the ISS Room, along with live roaches in several rooms
- Albemarle Road Elementary: In November, an inspection revealed a "urinal loose from the wall" with "water shooting out when flushed" along with "rodent/insect droppings in cabinets
Parents said they were really surprised to see these reports.
"Cleanliness hasn't been a problem. My daughters went to this school for 3 years, but again, I haven't walked around," parent Iisha Bradford said. "This is definitely something I would hope would be looked into immediately."
The employee said the letters with the hopes of a more immediate change.
[ [ALSO READ: Mold, bugs found during inspection at east Charlotte elementary school] ]
"CMS faces a number of challenges, aging facilities, we're underfunded, and we have a number of vacancies in the skilled trades. Now, more than ever, we need leadership that can effectively manage these turbulent waters," the letter reads.
Channel 9 reached out to the district, who said, "CMS Building Services works daily to maintain a safe and clean teaching and learning environment. This is an ongoing process. Areas of need are addressed in a timely manner and the district's goal is to ensure safety for all, as a top priority."
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: