Franklin County Public Health inspects yearly all K-12 public, private, chartered, non-chartered, community schools and career centers located within the jurisdiction of the Franklin County General Health District. Our office will usually make arrangements with the school prior to inspecting. Inspections are typically done during the school year and during the school day. We also respond to public complaints regarding the health and sanitary condition of schools. Once an inspection is completed, we send a report with observations and recommendations to the school principal/administrator, person in charge of maintenance and the school superintendent.
Franklin County Public Health inspects the sanitary and clean condition of school buildings and school grounds. Following the repeal of “Jarod’s Law”, Franklin County Public Health developed a School Inspection Guide. This guide focuses on ensuring that a healthy and clean environment is maintained for students, teachers and staff while at the school. We do not look at structural, mechanical or fire related areas since local building and fire departments can oversee these areas. When we inspect a school, this is some of what we look at:
- General condition of the exterior of buildings
- Solid waste, trash and recycling storage and disposal
- Evidence of rodents and insects
- Interior conditions of the school
- Hallways, classrooms, restrooms and drinking fountains
- How animals are displayed and managed
- Science, visual art, industrial art and consumer science classrooms
- Auditoriums, stages, dining areas and libraries/media centers
- Indoor athletic facilities, looker rooms and weight rooms
- Custodial and storage areas
- Healthcare/nurses room
- Teacher’s lounges
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
FCPH School Inspection Guidance Document
FCPH School Information Form
