DeKalb County

Rats invade classrooms at elementary school, upsetting parents

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Parents say they are upset that they weren't told about a rat infestation at their children's school.

Channel 2's Craig Lucie went to Marbut Elementary Theme School in Lithonia after a parent sent him a picture that shows rat droppings inside the ceiling. Both parents and staff at the school said they weren't told about the problem.

Lucie spoke to parent Shaulene Williams as she pulled out of the parking lot. As soon as she learned about the problem, she turned right back around.

"I do have a problem with that," Williams said. "Now, I'm going to go back and ask questions about it."

On Wednesday, Lucie saw at least a half-dozen work trucks coming and going to try to deal with the issue.

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DeKalb maintenance workers were also at the school.

Lucie reached out to DeKalb County Schools, who sent the following statement:

“Three classrooms at Marbut Traditional Theme School have been professionally treated after discovering there was a pest problem when students and staff returned following Winter Break. At present, there is no infestation of pests or mold at the school."

A staff member told Lucie it is a wonderful school and if there is a problem, they will fix it.

"The school from my perspective is very well-kept," the staff member said.

Officials at DeKalb County Schools said the health department walked through the building Wednesday and gave the school a good report. They also said they sent a letter home to parents stating that students were relocated from three classrooms where they had HVAC and pest control issues.