On Saturday, Methuen Schools Superintendent Brandi Kwong wrote an update to families about mice problems around the city’s schools.
Since September, the schools have been continuously informally and formally inspected by the city regarding areas of concern within each school. The inspections found an alarming number of mice at Donald P. Timony School, Marsh Grammar School, Tenney Grammar School and Methuen High.
“We take these issues very seriously and are committed to doing better.” Superintendent Kwong wrote: “We have implemented a range of measures to effectively address and resolve any construction issues at each school.”
Below are summaries that provide countermeasures to control the mice:
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Preventive measures: We have sealed potential access points, such as exterior entrances and underground pipe openings, with materials such as steel wool. These actions are aimed at reducing the chance of pests entering our buildings.
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Collaboration with experts: We work closely with Pest End to implement bait and trap strategies, adhering to the requirements and restrictions of public school environments.
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Enhanced cleaning protocols: Timony Grammar School, where the problem was most pronounced, is undergoing an intensive cleaning process. This includes disinfecting classrooms, removing items for deep cleaning and washing carpets. Our security staff works shifts on weekends to ensure a clean and safe environment for our students and staff.
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Targeted storage planning: Each supervising director, in collaboration with his senior custodian, has developed weekly cleanliness plans. These plans focus on specific areas identified during inspections to ensure continued attention to high priority areas.
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Monitoring the facility: Our District Director and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations prioritize building maintenance needs to address and prevent future issues and support weekly construction plans.
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Collaboration and monitoringMayor Beauregard, School Committee members Donovan and Shibilia, Deputy Superintendent Gosselin, Facilities Director Stella and I meet weekly to discuss progress, address staffing needs, determine next steps and prioritize capital improvement projects related to facilities and maintenance.
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External support: We have reached out to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to conduct a free comprehensive assessment of our schools. This includes air quality assessments and visual inspections to provide us with additional data to help prioritize future work.
Schools will also implement new food consumption protocols, with grades K-8 eating their meals in the cafeteria and school administration in designated staff areas. All kitchen equipment in classrooms will also be removed to further reduce risks.
According to Kwong, the measures taken have so far proven to have a positive impact.
This is a development story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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