First break-ins, now CMS treating former Collinswood Elementary School for fleas
Problems at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ International Center keep mounting.
Over the summer, a series of break-ins and vandalism left the former Collinswood Elementary School on 4000 Applegate Road with damage to windows and missing items. Now, there’s a flea infestation.
CMS confirmed to The Charlotte Observer the district’s one-stop shop for the enrollment needs of families who move from other countries is being treated for fleas. It is unclear how the infestation started.
Fleas can be a problem in school buildings, even if pets aren’t allowed, according to the University of Florida. Adult fleas can be brought in on the clothing of staff, students or visitors. Other possible sources include rats, feral cats, raccoons or birds that may live in unused parts of the building.
“Despite our best efforts, (it) remains an issue,” Susan Vernon-Devlin, of CMS communications, said. “We continue to use pest control, and we are working on a solution to move folks from the building to new locations.”
Vernon-Devlin said Wednesday the International Center continues to be open and operational despite the issues. The building that houses the center was built in 1959, and there are plans for it to remain operational.
Theft, vandalism over summer
CMS also confirmed arrests were made for the break-ins — items from technology to toys — were stolen. District spokesperson Sylvia Oben says the cases are in the juvenile court system for processing.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police were called out to the center four times beginning June 5, according to reports.
Someone on June 5 forced entry into the main building and stole an iPad, laptop, custodian radios and Matchbox toys and cars, among other items, according to a police report. The stolen property was valued at more than $2,400.
Police also were called out June 7, June 10 and Sunday for reports of vandalism and breaking and entering. “The offender(s) threw rocks and chunks of asphalt at/through 2 windows,” according to the June 7th report. Graffiti also was found.
Center serves diverse students
The International Center provides services for students and families who speak a language other than English, according to the website. In the 2021-2022 school year, the center served more than 5,000 people who were looking for support and to enroll their children in CMS.
CMS has more than 46,500 students considered linguistically diverse. The international center works to ensure those students have equal access and participation in the district’s educational programs, according to CMS.
This story was originally published September 1, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
