Unsafe conditions at 3 Northwest Philly schools detailed in city report

Inspectors from city Controller Alan Butkovitz’s office visited 20 district schools between October 2014  and March 2015. 

Their findings were released in a report on Wednesday and detail a series of electrical hazards, water damage, and permanently clogged toilets. Ten of the schools surveyed in the sample were schools that were also evaluated in a similar study that was conducted in 2008. The other 10 schools were newly added to the mix. 

Of the schools that were included in the sample survey, three are located in Northwest Philadelphia — J.S. Jenks, Shawmont and Cook-Wissahickon. 

Here’s what the survey found at each of the schools. A total of 18 conditions were looked at. 

Jenks Academy for the Arts and Sciences 

Leaking in several rooms
Damp walls in the gym and in the corridor 
Missing light covers
Broken hand dryer in rest room
Exposed insulation in corridor
 Out of order water drinking fountain
Exposed rebar in the fire escape stairwell
Extension cord near sink
Broken glass in door window
Tripping hazards on the exterior
Damaged masonry on the exterior
Missing GFCI (these are used to prevent electrical shock and are required within six feet of a water source)
Air ducts with large holes taped shut

Shawmont School 

Expired fire extinguisher
Exposed wires
Clogged exterior drain
Damaged masonry work on loading dock
Heater cover missing
Door knob missing
Cracked and missing ceiling tiles
Water damage
Black dust around air vents

Cook-Wissahickon Elementary School

Missing GFCI outlets near water sources
Several large masonry defects on the exterior of the school with exposed rebar
Mold on bathroom ceiling tiles due to water damage
Cracking in the ceiling 

Electrical hazards were present at 70 percent of the schools, fire safety hazards at 75 percent and water damage at 95 percent.