Many report seeing rats and roaches in the locker rooms for gym classes. Photo via @dozolaughs on Instagram.
Over the years, Cardozo has had numerous recurring reports of cockroaches and rodent sightings throughout the building. Students have made complaints and staff members have been very dissatisfied with the cleanliness of the school.
There are many questions as to when the school has an exterminator come, and some people question what makes all the pests come in the first place.
Following repeated reports from students and staff, staff members shared that Principal Colby called in pest control to spray the school for the ongoing problem. Mr. Powell, a science teacher and dean, said, “We had people come and spray the school.”
Even though some action was reportedly taken, many still report seeing multiple roaches and other pests, and are still trying to figure out where they are coming from.
Some staff point to the school’s “grab and go” lunch system as a possible factor in the increase of pest sightings. Walking down the halls at Cardozo, it is not rare to see garbage on the floor or in the staircases.
“We attend a school that allows you guys to get food if you do not have a lunch period,” Powell added. “So some accountability and ownership is on you guys to look after yourselves.”
Students added that the cafeteria and areas around it are a huge target for where they see bugs and other rodents. “I’ve seen roaches in the basement and in the bathrooms, and I’ve seen them on 42nd and even the cafe along with rat traps,” student Shaniquewa said.
“I see mice. I even saw a cockroach in the bathroom, in the hallways, and in the stairways,” added junior Annabelle. “But that’s because people leave food everywhere.”
Another issue that many students and staff identify are the pipes and the environment around the school building. Guidance counselor Ms. Allred said, I’ve also seen big water bugs, both dead and alive, in the women’s bathroom and around the halls.”
Junior Ibnat said that she comes to school and sees bugs, “At 8 a.m.,” which can lead to the issue of whether or not the school is properly cleaned at night, after staff and students leave.
On the other hand, there are many people who attend and work at the school who feel that the pest problem has become less relevant than it used to be.
Mrs. Millen, Assistant Principal of Climate and Culture and Athletic Director, said she sees pests occasionally, but not all the time. Students like juniors Sarah agreed, stating, “It is an occasional issue, it’s not like everyday I see them, which is good.”
However, there are students who insist it is a much bigger issue than meets the eye. ““I be seeing pests every day, no matter what time,” junior Mora said. “They need to [roach] bomb the school.”
Many students and staff acknowledge the challenge of keeping a large building like Cardozo clean. And, many agree that pests are common in New York City, but, overall staff and students still believe schools should be held to a higher standard.