by Sarah HowerMon, February 16, 2026 at 9:45 PMUpdated Mon, February 16, 2026 at 10:25 PMPOLK COUNTY, Tenn. — Benton Elementary is facing scrutiny following a substandard health inspection result, revealing significant maintenance issues within the historic school building. State inspectors documented concerns including unpleasant sewage smells, accumulated standing water, and deteriorating plumbing systems during a recent evaluation of the nearly century-old facility. The Polk County School Board addressed the findings during their meeting on Monday evening.
Benton Elementary Health Inspection Results
The Tennessee Department of Health assigned Benton Elementary a score of 68 out of 100, accompanied by a list of 16 identified violations. These infractions encompassed unsanitary conditions like sewage odors, inadequate drainage, compromised plumbing fixtures, and the presence of standing water specifically within the school’s restrooms. This assessment has prompted immediate attention from district officials and raised questions about the long-term viability of the aging structure.
Aging Infrastructure & Immediate Repairs
District leadership explained at Monday’s session that the majority of the reported problems are directly linked to the school’s antiquated infrastructure. The building, approaching its 100th anniversary, is experiencing the typical challenges associated with age and wear. Following receipt of the inspection report, maintenance personnel were swiftly deployed to prioritize essential repairs and address the most pressing concerns.
Dr. James R. Jones, Polk County Schools Superintendent, reported that a subsequent inspection conducted last Friday confirmed the resolution of most violations, leaving only an external drainage issue unresolved. Adam Collins, who assists with major projects according to the superintendent, informed the school board that efforts were also focused on eliminating the bathroom odors. “We don't have any indications right now with odor. The odor's gone, bathroom smells good,” Collins stated, adding, “We're going to smoke the pipes, see if we've got any leaks in any other pipes or other restrooms.”
Funding Challenges & Future Plans
However, Dr. Jones acknowledged the difficulties in implementing comprehensive, lasting solutions given the financial constraints of a rural school district. He expressed the reality of providing temporary fixes, stating, “We struggle to meet needs, to fix problems in school financially, but we try our best…We are putting band aids on 100 year old building and and, quite frankly, that's the best we can do.” The district is exploring the possibility of constructing new school facilities, but preliminary cost estimates currently hover around $90 million.
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