James Ward Elementary School was last inspected on March 13, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 2 violations, 1 of them critical.
Latest inspection
March 13, 2026 · Canvass
Result: Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical1 general-
CriticalFacility upkeep
Hot or cold water wasn’t available, or water pressure was too low.
Inspector’s note: Found no hot running water on premises as required. Hot water ranging from 65f to 74f in kitchen and washrooms; instructed to restore hot water to building. Priority violation 7-38-030(c) compliance with city rules. No citation issued due to cps school. Corrected on site.
Official wording (code 50)
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed light dust on the vents in the hooded system above the cooking equipment; instructed to clean.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspection history
21 inspections on record
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed two burned out light bulbs at kitchen ventilation hood. Instructed to replace bulbs and maintain.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: 5-502.12: observed all lids on outdoor receptacles open. Instructed to keep all lids on outdoor receptacles closed at all times, to prevent rodents and pest in mentioned area.
Official wording (code 54)
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: 6-201.11: observed an opening in the lower wall and floor in the dining area near the atrium. Instructed to seal opening and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
2 critical2 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Observed no hot running water at the handwashing sink in the toilet room in pre-k room 107. When the hot water knob is pushed, no water comes out. Instructed to have hot (100f) and cold running water at all handwashing sinks and maintain. Priority violation 7-38-030(c), no citation issued
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Observed no handwashing signage at the handwashing sink in the food prep/ dishwashing area. Instructed to provide and maintain.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed all lids on outdoor receptacles open. Instructed to keep all lids on outdoor receptacles closed at all times, to prevent rodents and pest in mentioned area.
Official wording (code 54)
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed an opening in the lower wall and floor in the dining area near the atrium. Instructed to seal opening and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 critical1 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Observed some hand sinks in the student washrooms do not stay on the required minimum time of 20 seconds; instructed to adjust faucets where needed.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed one door not completely rodent proofed at the bottom; must correct. Engineer adjusted the door sweep at the bottom. Corrected on site.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Large can opener in need of new blade. Instructed to obtain and maintain
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed accumulated dirt debris under the hand washing sink and under the 3 compartment sink. Instructed to clean.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: The washbowls in the toilet room that the kitchen staff uses needs to be re-caulked at the top. Instructed to correct and maintain.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: The trash receptacle in the toilet room that the kitchen staff uses does not have a lid/cover. Instructed to provide a receptacle with a lid/cover and maintain.
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: The floor tiles in front and under/around the 3-compartment sink is damaged and/or missing. Instructed to replace or provide floor tiles.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Mops stored in the buckets. Instructed to store hanging up for proper drying when not in use. Maintain same.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
No violations
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Floors in main prep area in need of cleaning under all cooking equipment. Must detail clean and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Faucet at 3 compartment sink in need of repairing. Must correct and maintain.
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
4 general Show violations
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector’s note: Found front main entry doors not rodent proofed. Gap 1/2 in at bottom of door. Instructed manager to correct and maintain. Serious violation 7-38-020
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector’s note: Found outside garbage area not maintained. Large dumpster open and exposed, 2 smaller containers overflowing with trash. Instructed manager to correct and maintain closed at all times serious violation 7-38-020
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Floors in main prep area in need of cleaning under all cooking equipment. Must detail clean and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Faucet at 3 compartment sink in need of repairing. Must correct and maintain.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Observed peeling paint at ceiling of lunchroom over students dining area. Must remove peeling paint and repaint.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Observed leak at faucet of 3-comp sink in kitchen. Must repair.
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Found peeling paint on the upper wall near the window in the teachers washroom on the second floor; remove and repaint. Found a hole (opening) behind one toilet that is exposing pipes in the boys washroom on the first floor; must cover hole in wall exposing pipe. Observed peeling paint on the ceiling inside of the utility closet on the first floor and the wall above and under the utilty sink in the same closet in poor repair; repair wall and remove peeling paint.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: The utility sink pipe and backflow device is leaking on the second floor in the utility closet; repair leak.
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
3 general Show violations
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed
Inspector’s note: Found the toilet in the washroom inside of classroom #103 (kindergarten) in poor repair; teacher states when it flushes it leaks downstairs; must repair or remove toilet. Serious violation 7-38-030. (students have access and use the washrooms down the hall).
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Found peeling paint on the upper wall near the window in the teachers washroom on the second floor; remove and repaint. Found a hole (opening) behind one toilet that is exposing pipes in the boys washroom on the first floor; must cover hole in wall exposing pipe. Observed peeling paint on the ceiling inside of the utility closet on the first floor and the wall above and under the utilty sink in the same closet in poor repair; repair wall and remove peeling paint.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Found no cold running water at one of the sinks in the girls washroom in the basement; must restore cold water to the sink. The utility sink pipe and backflow device is leaking on the second floor in the utility closet; repair leak.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: No ventilation in basement's staff/girls toilet room, instructed to install.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector’s note: Employees personal items stored in prep coolers with other foods. Instructed to seperate.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Clean floors under and around cooking equipment in kitchen.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Remove dust from vents above stove in kitchen. Paint lower wall in kindergarten room around toilet where peeling. Door to handicapped stall in girls washroom on second floor missing; replace door to stall.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Must fix the water damaged wall in the basement cafeteria storage area by the window.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Must fix and maintain the following: provide cold running water to the left washbowl in the women's basement toilet room. Provide hot running water to th right washbowl in the girl's 1st fl toilet room. Fix the leak at the base of the right faucet on the 3-comp. Sink in the prep area.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector’s note: Found food containers not stored properly. Must store inverted.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Found floors not clean at boiler areas.
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Clean and sanitize the following: exterior/interior of stove, microwave, cabinets in teachers lounge, fan gurads inside refrigeration units in dry food storage room in basement, behind vending machine units in basement. Clean tables and punch bowl in teachers lounge.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. REMOVE STANDING WATER SECTIONS IN BOILER ROOM AND CLEAN STAIRCASE AT 3RD FLOOR TO REMOVE DUST AND DEBRIS. CLEAN FLOOR AT HAND WASH SINK IN KITCHEN. CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM AND KITCHEN STAFF LOCKER/OFFICE AREA.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. REMOVE WET PAPER BALLS AT CEILING IN GIRLS TOILET ROOM ON 3RD FLOOR. SEAL AROUND PIPING INSIDE CABINET UNDER TWO COMPARTMENT SINK IN TEACHERS LOUNGE. CLEAN WALLS AND CEILING TO REMOVE STAINS IN LUNCHROOM AT KITCHEN.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Provide ventilation in boys toilet room on 3rd floor ie. Open window.
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
5 general Show violations
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector’s note: Found 25 mouse droppings inside cabinet under two compartment sink around grease trap, cabinets, shelves scattered throughout teachers lounge/lunchroom. Instructed to clean and sanitize affected areas, and recommend pest control to service premises. Serious 7-38-020 issued.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Clean and sanitize the following: exterior/interior of stove, microwave, cabinets in teachers lounge, fan gurads inside refrigeration units in dry food storage room in basement, behind vending machine units in basement. Clean tables and punch bowl in teachers lounge.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. REMOVE STANDING WATER SECTIONS IN BOILER ROOM AND CLEAN STAIRCASE AT 3RD FLOOR TO REMOVE DUST AND DEBRIS. CLEAN FLOOR AT HAND WASH SINK IN KITCHEN. CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM AND KITCHEN STAFF LOCKER/OFFICE AREA.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. REMOVE WET PAPER BALLS AT CEILING IN GIRLS TOILET ROOM ON 1ST. FLOOR. SEAL AROUND PIPING INSIDE CABINET UNDER TWO COMPARTMENT SINK IN TEACHERS LOUNGE. CLEAN WALLS AND CEILING TO REMOVE STAINS IN LUNCHROOM AT KITCHEN.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Provide ventilation in boys toilet room on 3rd floor ie. Open window.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
7 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Paint rusty shelves inside storage cabinet inside kitchen. Defrost freezer to remove ice buildup at compressor in kitchen dry food storage room. Instructed to provide mesh screens at toilet room windows. Provide shelves and racks to store items.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Clean around grease trap and wall base at three compartment sink, clean sides of equipment in kitchen, clean interior of two compartment sink in teachers lounge, exterior/interior of cabinets in teachers lounge.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR FLOOR SECTIONS WITH CRACKED FLOOR TILES ON 1ST FLOOR AND 3RD. FLOOR SOUTH BUILDING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT BOILER ROOM AND UTILITY ROOM ACROSS FROM KITCHEN. CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS IN BASEMENT AND REMOVE STANDING WATER FROM SAID AREA. ADJUST THRESHOLD AT REAR SIDE DOOR.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SEAL AROUND PIPING AND CONDUITS INSIDE UTILITY CLOSETS, TOILET ROOMS ON 1ST. 2ND. AND 3RD. FLOORS, SCIENCE LAB ROOM, AND INSIDE CABINET UNDER TWO COMPARTMENT SINK IN TEACHERS LOUNGE. REPAIR CEILING AND WALL SECTIONS AT LUNCHROOM AND IN UTILITY SINK ROOM ON 1ST. FLOOR IN POOR REPAIR. CAULK AROUND TWO COMPARTMENT SINK IN TEACHERS LOUNGE. REMOVE WET PAPER BALLS AT CEILINGS IN TOILET ROOMS.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector’s note: Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated. PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT STAFF TOILET ROOM DOOR ON 3RD. FLOOR.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Provide ventilation above stove in teachers lounge and or remove same.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector’s note: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. REMOVE WEEDS AROUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA AND REMOVE UNUSED ITEMS FROM KITCHEN/ MILK CRATES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. Cleaning equipment shall be properly stored away from food, utensils, equipment, and clean linens. PROVIDE HOOKS FOR BROOMS/MOPS IN BASEMENT UTILITY ROOM.
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More in ZIP 60616
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 8 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.