Managing Editor

Throughout the ages, one creature has survived time and will likely never become extinct. Much to people’s chagrin, this creature, or rodent, generally can cause a reaction from people when sighted or in most cases, even when just mentioned.

This rodent, or in common layman’s terms, a rat, recently reared its ugly head(s) at Upson Lee South Elementary. In fact, quite a few of them.

According to Thomaston-Upson School System Director of Operations Mike Majors, the problem of infestation started about one month ago.

“We discovered we had some signs of rodents in some isolated areas at UL South,” said Majors at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting. “We have worked closely, once we realized this, we got in contact with a pest control service. He has been working diligently trying to solve the problem.

“There were a few areas in the gymnasium that had some points of entry. Our maintenance crews have been working to seal up the points and we’ve also been working with the Enviromental Health Department.

After learning of an Enviromental Health scheduled visit this past Wednesday to sign off

on the clean up and make further recommendations, Board Chairman Keith Rohling confirmed the problem but also confirmed the success of the school system’s efforts.

“I went out and visited today [Tuesday] and there were some entry points that have been fixed in the gym,” he said. “There was some evidence of damage done by the rodents in the ceiling tiles.

“The ceiling of the school is being used as a “highway” for the animals. There are some small corners where they can get up the walls and into the ceiling.”

Also on Wednesday, ULSE Principal Alicia Elder, after receiving the final report from the Enviromental Health inspector, send a letter home with each student to quell the growing and rampant concerns about the problem and to ensure parents the problem had been resolved.

In part, Principal Elder wrote, “We have isolated a few factors that we perceive as keys to solving this problem. We have found the possible point of entry in the school gymnasium and have sealed two holes in the school’s foundation.”

She continued, “An unannounced visit from the Upson County health inspector on Friday, November 7, resulted in the ULSE cafeteria receiving a perfect 100 on their health score. Kathleen Buck, Upson County Environmentalist/Specialist II, conducted the surprise visit and stated, “There is no evidence of rodents in the cafeteria at all. The ULSE cafeteria is a safe place to eat.”

On Wednesday, as anticipated, Randy Smith, Upson County Director of Environmental Health, did the final inspection to check on the status of the problem.

According to Elder, following the inspection, Smith stated, “I have not seen anything that would pose a safety threat to the students at Upson-Lee South. The ceiling tiles that are in place are fine. The school has been very responsible in taking care of this problem.”

He did, however, recommend that all food in the classrooms should be sealed in plastic containers, no food or trash should be left in the school overnight and that all openings outside and around pipes should be sealed.

“I am not sending this letter to alarm you or to create fear,” wrote Elder. “I am sending this letter in an effort to keep our families informed of all things at our school.

“I also want to assure you that the faculty and staff of ULSE will always provide a safe environment for your child.”

In other school board news, the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education will kick off American Education Week by hosting a reception to honor the 2009-2010 Teachers of the Year on Monday, November 17, from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the Upson-Lee High School Media Center.

Teachers of the Year being recognized include Renae Kilgore: Upson-Lee Pre-K; Kirn Hill: Upson-Lee South; Heather Rawls: Upson-Lee North; Beth Brown: Upson-Lee Middle School; Angie Short: Upson-Lee High School; Barbara Young: Upson-Lee Alternative School.

The reception is open to the public. Parents, students, and community members are encouraged to come by and congratulate these outstanding Teachers of the Year.