Fayette County, Pa. – Laurel Highlands School District Superintendent Jesse Wallace announced Tuesday that R.W. Clark Elementary School has been cleared by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Bureau after a thorough reinspection. The school had been cited earlier in the week for extensive mouse droppings found throughout the building, including the kitchen and storage areas.
Rapid response and remediation
State inspectors reported “numerous” droppings on the initial inspection, noting fresh evidence near food units and in areas where mice had accessed oatmeal and granola supplies. In response, district maintenance crews worked through the weekend, sealing exterior breaches that could allow rodents inside and implementing new food‑storage protocols.
Wallace explained that perishable items are now kept in sealed plastic containers and that all food‑handling surfaces have been elevated to reduce the chance of pests reaching them. “We’re making sure that we have everything elevated further up than probably what we had in the past to ensure there’s nothing that can crawl up into the bins or into packaging,” he said.
Enhanced cleaning and monitoring
In addition to physical repairs, the district introduced stricter cleaning routines and placed non‑bait traps around the perimeter of the building to identify any remaining hot spots. The traps are part of an ongoing monitoring plan that will continue after the school resumes normal operations.
Because the remediation work was completed before classes resumed, there was no interruption to the lunch program or to classroom schedules. “There was no disruption to lunch or class schedules,” Wallace noted, emphasizing the district’s commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment.
Future inspections
The reinspection on Tuesday is part of a standard follow‑up process. Inspectors will return at a randomly chosen time to verify that the school remains in compliance. Wallace expressed confidence in the district’s readiness, stating, “They don’t tell you when, but we’re ready to go for whatever that is.”
Local parents and community members have praised the district’s swift action, noting that a clean, pest‑free school supports both student health and academic focus. The district’s proactive approach aligns with broader efforts across Pennsylvania to ensure that public schools meet health and safety standards.
What this means for families
Parents can feel reassured that R.W. Clark Elementary is taking concrete steps to protect students from health hazards associated with rodent infestations. The district’s emphasis on proper food storage, regular cleaning, and ongoing monitoring reflects a commitment to the well‑being of children and staff alike.
Superintendent Wallace encouraged families to stay informed about any future updates and to report any concerns directly to the school administration.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
