Benton Elementary receives poor inspection report
BENTON, Tenn. (WDEF)- Concerns are rising in Polk County following a negative health inspection report of Benton Elementary School.
According to a report from the Tennessee Department of Health, Benton Elementary scored a 68 on an inspection that was conducted last week.
This report described 16 different issues.
The report describes the following issues:
“Observations & Corrective Actions
4: Muliple water fountains in disrepair throughout establishment.
*11: Observed several electrical outlets not properly covered and protected. Corrected on-site by person in charge.
*12: Observed wall missing in boys bathroom with exposed cracked piping and strong sewage odor.
*14: Observed kindergarten restroom with multiple toilets actively pouring water onto toilets and floor when flushed.
15: Observed main janitorial closet floor drain not working.
*16: Observed Toliet, mop sink, and water fountain not draining with stagnant water ponding.
26: Observed heavy ceiling damage interior and exterior of cdc classroom. Siding of building exposed, soffit panels missing and laying on ground.
26: Observed tile missing in prek classroom, subfloor exposed.
30: Numerous heavily damaged auditorium seats with rusted metal and wood splinters sticking out.
30: Several class rooms with tall bookshelves not secured to the walls or floors.
33: Observed light shield dangling over student desk in CDC classrooms.
40: Observed storage building in playground with large gap over a foot tall not properly secured, large room for entrapment.
40: Observed large areas of concrete exposed from washouts with tripping hazards.
40: Large washout in playgrounds with tall drop offs.
41: Observed large washouts in walkway to rear playground.
46: Observed prek restroom with floor collapsing, not properly secure. Floor is greatly sinking in, tiles missing and subfloor exposed, cracking sound when standing on it.”
In a statement this morning, Polk County Schools responded to this report stating:
“We are aware of the recent environmental inspection report for Benton Elementary and understand the concerns it has raised within our community. Student and staff safety remains our highest priority. Benton Elementary is an older facility, and many of the items noted reflect long-standing infrastructure challenges. Several concerns were corrected during the inspection, and our project manager and maintenance teams are actively working to address all remaining items, with priority given to critical health and safety needs. In addition, plans are already in place to improve and remodel the auditorium over the summer as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the school’s facilities. Polk County Schools is also working collaboratively with county leadership and community partners to address both immediate needs and long-term facility improvements. We appreciate the county’s continued partnership and shared commitment to investing in safe learning environments for our students. While ongoing repairs are necessary, we recognize the need for long-term solutions and are planning for future school facilities to better serve our community. We appreciate the community’s patience and support and will continue to share updates as progress is made.”
We are working to learn more about this situation.
