Jacksonville elementary school cafeteria closed due to rodents

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville elementary school’s cafeteria is closed while pest control staff removes rodents from the building.

A message from Cedar Hills Elementary School’s principal Marva McKinney to parents says that the cafeteria is the “main location” where the rodents have been seen.

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While the cafeteria is closed, meals will be prepared off-site and students will eat in alternate locations.

“The plan includes trapping and safely removing the rodents,” McKinney said.

The pest control staff will also “identify and close off any access points that may be allowing rodents to enter the school,” McKinney said.

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Read the full communication with parents below:

“Hello Cedar Hills Elementary School families.

“In the spirit of open and transparent communication, I want to keep you informed of anything that impacts your student’s educational experience.

“I am calling to share that rodents have been spotted on our campus and inside our school building. Because of this, we are taking several measures using guidance from our pest control contractor and district maintenance staff.

“First, we have closed down our cafeteria, which is the main location where the rodents have been sited (sic). Closing down the cafeteria enables the pest control staff to have an aggressive treatment plan without impacting students and staff. The plan includes trapping and safely removing rodents.

“While the cafeteria is closed, food will be prepared offsite and brought to our school and students will be served meals in alternate locations.

“Additional steps include working with pest control to identify and close off any access points that may be allowing rodents to enter the school, sanitizing and cleaning areas where rodents have been spotted, clearing away all storage and clutter, and trimming tree branches back from the roof of the building.

“We will continue to keep you posted and let you know when our cafeteria has reopened. If you have any questions or concerns about this incident or anything related to your student’s educational experience at Cedar Hill Elementary, please do not hesitate to contact me through the school.

“Sincerely, Marva McKinney, Principal”

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