posted August 17, 2005
Red Bank High School will reopen on Thursday after an all-day cleanup of extensive vandalism.
Students were sent home for the day on Wednesday after urine and feces were spread around the school, including on walls, floors, lockers, classrooms and stairwells on two floors.
Students were sent to the gymnasium as they arrived, then were told to go home.
School officials said on Wednesday morning, "Cleanup crews are currently working to remove any unsafe substances and ensure a clean and safe environment for classes to resume Thursday. In an orderly dismissal, car riders and drivers were released followed by buses running the regular dismissal routes.
"Hamilton County employees and members of the Red Bank Police department are cooperating to investigate the incident and get the building ready for students to return on Thursday."
Officials were reviewing video cameras inside the school.
They said it was a costly cleanup and those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.
On Monday, students at the school had found toilet paper spread around the entrance.
School officials said Wednesday night, "Red Bank High School was closed this morning after school officials discovered vandalism prior
to school opening. The district immediately contacted Southern Management, the school’s contract company for custodial services, to dispatch cleanup crews to the school. Southern Management worked in conjunction with the county health department throughout the day to remove any unsafe substances and fully disinfect all areas of the school.
After the cleanup, Dr. Valerie Boaz, health officer with the Chattanooga Hamilton County Health Department, conducted an inspection of the school and cleared it for students to attend in the morning.
“I commend the work of Southern Management, Dr. Boaz, our local health department, and school staff for completing a major cleanup today so we can start school without hesitation tomorrow,” said Supt. Jesse Register.
“After walking through the building this afternoon, I feel very good about the work being done and that the school is safe and clean for our students to return.”
As an added precaution, the schools will keep the kitchen closed while the child nutrition staff does a second cleaning of the school kitchen. School officials will cater box lunch meals to the students on Thursday and expect the cafeteria to be open and serving meals Friday after final inspection from the county health department.
“Southern Management worked in conjunction with the Hamilton County Health Department to fully inspect and clean Red Bank High School. In all, we have spent more than 280 manpower hours cleaning the school,” said Clay Ellis, risk manager for Southern Management.
Hamilton County school officials and employees will continue to cooperate with the Red Bank Police Department as the investigation continues, it was stated.
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