Panther Run Elementary in Wellington infested by rats, Palm Beach County Health Department reports

WELLINGTON, Fla. -- A school near Wellington has some unwelcome guests in its classroom.

Two Palm Beach County Health Department reports say rats have infested parts of Panther Run Elementary on Lake Worth Road, near Wellington.

Palm Beach County Health Department inspection records say one wing of the school is infested with the small creatures. The problem initially started in May, 2011 and was eradicated. It resurfaced in October 2011, according to district spokesperson Nat Harrington.

The Palm Beach Post interviewed a school parent and teacher who say they've either found rats themselves, or heard about them being found in several places within the school.

Harrington said the school is working on the problem and traps -- glue boards -- were set and rodents are being eliminated.

A pest control technician is also at the school on a daily basis and will remain until the problem is resolved, Harrington said.

The Panther Run principal says this problem could be traced back to school renovations several years ago where parts of the school had to be left open for construction.

The Principal has sent a note home to parents updating the situation.

The Wellington area is known for it's outstanding public schools.

The popular website, www.greatschools.org rates Panther Run Elementary school with a 9 out of 10 score, a very high mark despite this pesky problem.

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