School Building Health Inspections

Keeping Schools Safe and Sanitary

The Sampson County Department of Health plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and sanitation of educational facilities within the county. This includes overseeing inspections of public, private, and religious school buildings.

Annual Check-Ups

All schools, regardless of public, private, or religious affiliation, undergo a thorough inspection by the department on an annual basis.

Licensing

While the licensing authority differs for public and private/religious schools, the county health department still performs the inspections:

• Public schools are licensed by the North Carolina Department of Public Education.
• Private and religious schools are licensed by the Office of Non-Public Education.

Focus on Food Safety

While building inspections are vital, ensuring safe food preparation in schools is paramount. The department takes specific measures regarding cafeterias and food service areas:

• Permits and Inspections: All cafeterias or food service operations that prepare and serve food on-site to students require a permit from the Sampson County Department of Health. These facilities are also subject to regular inspections by the department.
• Transparency through Grade Cards: Unlike building inspections, the results of food service inspections are readily available for public viewing. "Grade cards" are posted within the inspected food service area, allowing parents and students to see how the facility performed. This transparency fosters accountability and promotes a commitment to food safety.

By conducting comprehensive inspections of school buildings and enforcing strict food safety regulations, the Sampson County Department of Health helps create a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.