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VIDEO: Rodent spotted in Braintree High School cafe, no signs of larger problem

BRAINTREE, Mass. — A rodent sighting at Braintree High School appears to have been an “isolated” incident, Braintree Public Schools Superintendent Frank Hackett told Boston 25 News.

Hackett said the town’s health inspector and a pest management company conducted an inspection Tuesday and found no evidence of rats anywhere inside the building.

A student posted a video of the medium-sized rodent in the cafeteria on social media Monday afternoon.

School leaders said they didn’t know about the rodent sighting until they were made aware of the video around 6:30 p.m. Monday.

“We are taking this matter very seriously,” a letter sent to parents and families read.

Staff began inspecting the entire building, including the cafeteria, around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. All floors and hard surfaces in the cafeteria were then sanitized again.

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Hackett said all schools have been under a pest management control program for several years and each building is inspected regularly throughout the year. Up until now, there haven't been any documented or reported problems of a similar nature. However, he added, "it is clear that we need to do more."

Braintree's Department of Municipal Licenses & Inspections recommended the distrct schedule additional pest control service visits, conduct and inspection of exterior areas to determine if there are burrows on school grounds and additional sealing of potenial entry areas, such as opens for HVAC pipes and equipement.

"Please know that we continue to take this issue, and pest control in all of our buildings, very seriously," an updated letter to parents and families read. "Once again, we would like to thank you for your support and understanding."

Anyone with questions is asked to contact the superintendent’s office at 781-380-0130.