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STEPHEN DECATUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

7030 N Sacramento AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60645 · School

Inspection summary

STEPHEN DECATUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL has been inspected 21 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 3, 2010. The most recent inspection, on September 29, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

4 of 21 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 1 infraction recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Pests and Cleaning and sanitizing.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their findings differently, so we group them by what they mean for your health. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are one of the main ways germs spread, from person to person and onto food and surfaces. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing their hands when required, and sick staff being kept away from work where it matters. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on September 16, 2025. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food, supplies and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on September 19, 2024. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Surfaces, dishes and tools that touch food or people must be cleaned and then sanitized or disinfected. Inspectors check sanitizer strength, dishwasher temperatures and how cleaning is done. Poor sanitizing lets germs survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded once on September 16, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be clean and in good repair, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate health risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 18 times across 12 separate inspections, most recently on September 29, 2026. For example: PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be made of cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked surface or worn part. They are generally lower risk but show how well the place is maintained.

    Recorded 11 times across 8 separate inspections, most recently on April 26, 2018. For example: WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

21 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 REPAIR THE SOURCE OF THE WATER LEAK BENEATH THE STEAM TABLE AT THE SERVICE LINE.
  2. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER FROM THE LUNCHROOM ONE COMPARTMENT DUMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO USE THE BOYS AND GIRLS WASHROOM WASH BOWLS FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES THAT ARE ADJACENT TO THE LUNCHROOM ENTRANCE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST NOT USE CLOTH TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN THE DISH ROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS UNDER BOTH ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINKS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED OPEN 1/4 TO 1/2 INCH CRACK/CREVICE ALONG THE BASEBOARD COVING AND FLOOR BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, IN THE DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM AND IN THE LUNCHROOM OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ANY OPENINGS ALONG BASEBOARDS THROUGHOUT.
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • ORIGINAL BUILDING SIDE BOYS AND GIRLS HANDWASH SINKS HOT AND COLD WATER PUSH BUTTONS WITH LESS THAN 15 SECONDS RUNNING WATER TIME WHEN PUSHED. MUST RECALIBRATE SAID HANDWASH SINKS TO MINIMAL 15 SECONDS RUNNING WATER TIME.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT DOORS SWEEPS BY MAIN ENTRANCE. MUST RODENT PROOF DOORS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE PREP AREA FLOOR DRAINS. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED SMALL WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR NOTED PLUMBING LEAK AND TO MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOMS LOCATED IN THE (ANNEX BUILDING).INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  8. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • INCOMPLETE CLEANING SUPPLY KIT FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISINFECTANT EFFECTIVE FOR NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • EXIT DOOR #8 WITH 1/4 GAP ON THE LEFT SIDE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR MAKE THE DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT/INSECTS PROOFED.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • WASTE RECEPTACLES INSIDE THE LADIES STAFF WASHROOM MUST HAVE A LID/COVER FOR FEMININE ITEMS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MISSING AND WATER STAINED CEILING PANELS IN THE HALLWAY. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  9. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP POLICY/SPILL KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
  10. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED MAIN HALLWAY WITH STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES. MUST REPLACE ALL MISSING CEILING TILES AND REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES. MUST MAINTAIN CEILING.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED 3/4 URINALS IN BOYS WASHROOM WITH NO RUNNING WATER AND STRONG URINE ODOR. MUST SUPPLY RUNNING WATER TO URINALS TO FLUSH AT ALL TIMES.
  11. Canvass

    0 infractions

  12. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED WATER PRESSURE IN BOYS ND GIRLS BATHROOMS VERY LOW. WATER PRESSURE MUST BE RESTORED AND MAINTAINED FOR CHILDREN TO WASH HANDS.
  13. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Floors in rear storage area room not clean, needs detailed cleaning(corners).
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Ceiling in kitchen prep area had peeling paint, shall be repaired/sealed. Damaged/stained ceiling tiles outside classroom (kindergarten)shall be repaired/replaced.
  14. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT BOILER AREAS.(ALONG WALLS)
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • FOUND BURNT LIGHT BULBS INSIDE HOOD EXHAUST UNIT AND REACH IN COOLER.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • FOUND WASH CLOTHS NOT STORED PROPERLY.
  15. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • RE SEAL BASEBOARD/COVING ON WALL BY THE KITCHEN STAFF WASHROOM
  16. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 26. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED AND INSTALLED
      • NO HOT WATER PROVIDED AT GIRL'S AND BOY'S WASHROOMS, ROOM #100 AND ROOM #101. ALSO GIRL'S WASHROOM HAD NO WATER FLOW.PRESENT WATER TEMPERATURE FROM 50F TO 54.5F. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AND any self-closing, slow closing, or metering faucet used shall be designed to provide a flow of water for at least 15 seconds without the need to reactivate the faucet. Steam-mixing valves are prohibited. INSTRUCTED ENGINEER FOR THE CHILDREN TO USE WASHBOWL IN STAFF WASHROOM(ROOM #112), HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER IS PROVIDED. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-030.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • RE SEAL BASEBOARD/COVING ON WALL BY THE KITCHEN STAFF WASHROOM
  17. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN ROOM 106 AND 107. BREAKFAST AND LUNCH IS CONSUMED IN EACH CLASS ROOM.
  18. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • RUSTED LID OF THE GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR BEHIND THE REACH IN COOLER WITH MILK, NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • PEELNG PAINT ON THE WALLS BEHIND THE WASHBOWL SINK IN ROOM 101/ LIBRARY. MUST REMOVE /SCRAPE PEELING PAINT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 44. ONLY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL IN THE FOOD-PREP AREA
      • ONLY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE PASSING FROM THE EXIT DOOR TOWARDS THE PREP AREA AND EXIT ON THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR OF THE PREP AREA/KITCHEN NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT,WHILE FOOD SERVICE EMPLOYEES ARE PREPARING THR FOODS FOR LUNCH.
  19. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN ROOM 100. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  20. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • floors in storage areas, bathrooms, and boiler rooms not clean need cleaning(corners).
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • peeling paint, exposed plaster in kitchen prep area shall be repair. damaged, stained ceiling tiles in gym, classrooms shall be repair/replaced.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • light shields in kitchen prep area, need cleaning. missing, broken light shields in bathrooms, classrooms shall be replaced.light shields in classrooms, hallways need cleaning.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • missing self closing mechanism to bathroom door in room #101, boiler room bathroom shall be provided.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • exhaust vents(ventilation) in classrooms, bathrooms, and hallways not clean need cleaning.
  21. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. REPAIR LEAK FROM PIPE IN BOILER ROOM PIT, MAINTAIN DRY FLOOR. REPAIR VENTILATION IN KITCHEN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INCREASE FLOW TIME IN BOYS WASHROOM ACROSS FROM ROOM 105, 1ST FLOOR.

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