On Monday, the City of Detroit released the results of more school inspections. Inspectors continued to find problems with plumbing, leaking roofs, rodents, and bugs at many schools.
Detroit Public Schools released a statement saying it is actively working to address the building maintenance issues that have been cited in the inspection reports.
The district announced it will create a new web page where it will update the public on repairs made.
"Life and safety matters are the District’s priority and we will work to address those issues immediately. For example, water damaged ceiling tiles have been replaced at AL Holmes, Ben Carson and J.E. Clark, the fire alarm pull station and windows broken due to vandalism have been replaced at Osborn High School, peeling paint has been addressed at Spain and at Ron Brown Academy, the District has removed stored items in corridors and on stairs,” said a DPS press release.
The release said the district was working to address pest issues in schools before the inspections.
"In fact, the mouse that has been widely reported at Spain Elementary had actually been caught in a trap that had been placed by the exterminator,” said the release.
The district says there are violations cited in reports that cost more than the district has. The district will not be able to make repairs if lawmakers don’t approve the plan to address debt before the Michigan Legislature.
"For example, it would cost $2.7 million to replace the roofs at Dossin, Vernor and Spain Elementary Schools,” the release read.
“DPS appreciates the city of Detroit for working in partnership with the District to create a clean and safe working and learning environment for its students and staff,” said Emergency Manager Darnell Earley. “Since inspections began, the District has cooperated fully with the City and its inspectors and will continue to do so moving forward. In fact, I have directed the District’s Acting Executive Director of Operations to meet on a weekly basis with the leadership of those City departments who are tasked with inspecting our schools.”
The district says it will put together a Facilities Master Plan to be released by the end of February. It will also partner with the Detroit Public Schools Foundation to raise money for repairs.
To see the inspection reports, visit detroitmi.gov.
