Carter High School dealing with rodent problems

Dallas ISD is working to get a handle on a rodent problem at Carter High School in the Red Bird area.

One parent said his daughter has seen a rodent in her classroom three times. The father, concerned about the diseases that rodents can transmit, reached out to FOX 4 after the problem continued for more than five weeks.

While students aren’t allowed to have cameras out in class, Orvin Ware’s daughter managed to take a photo the next time she saw a rodent.

“One night, she said a rat came out in class today. And I said, ‘What in the world? What do you mean?’ She said it was a rat. It was big. The tail was long,” Ware said.

Ware decided to come to FOX 4 concerned that the school administrators were not taking the problem seriously enough. No one with the district would talk on camera.

Over the phone, a spokeswoman said that a field next to and across from the school are likely where the rodents are coming from.

There is bond construction work underway at Carter High School right now. The spokeswoman said they’ve asked their contractors to close access entryways.

“We are committed to the well-being of our students and staff and to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment,” a spokesperson said. “School administrators have been working closely with the district’s Environmental Services to handle the situation. Both the interior and exterior of the campus have been treated.”

“It’s supposed to be a safe environment,” Ware said. “I’m just trying to help.”

Ware said his daughter’s friend’s had her backpack chewed up after she left it in the office over the weekend.

A spokeswoman said treatment is done on an as-needed basis.