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School · Chicago, IL

Wm Penn Elementary School

1616 S Avers

Last inspected Feb 25, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 25, 2026

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

5-202.12 (B-D) OBSERVED TIMED FAUCETS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY IN LOWER-LEVEL, FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD FLOOR GIRLS AND BOYS' WASHROOMS. WATER MUST RUN CONTINUOUSLY FOR AT LEAST 15 SECONDS BEFORE REACTIVATING FAUCET.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.11 OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT KITCHEN NEAR REACH-IN COOLERS, FREEZERS, DRY STORAGE, PREP TABLES, OVEN, ETC. OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON CEILING AND DUCT EQUIPMENT IN SERVING AREA. OBSERVED LOOSE AND DAMAGED BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS AND DAMAGED WALL SURFACES IN PREP AREA. OBSERVED LEFT HANDWASHING SINK NOT SECURE TO WALL IN LOWER-LEVEL GIRLS' WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 25, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 18, 2026

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

5-202.12 (B-D) OBSERVED TIMED FAUCETS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY IN LOWER-LEVEL, FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD FLOOR GIRLS AND BOYS' WASHROOMS. WATER MUST RUN CONTINUOUSLY FOR AT LEAST 15 SECONDS BEFORE REACTIVATING FAUCET.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN LUNCHROOM STAFF AND TEACHER STAFF WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES IN ALL WOMEN AND UNISEX WASHROOMS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.11 OBSERVED DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT KITCHEN NEAR REACH-IN COOLERS, FREEZERS, DRY STORAGE, PREP TABLES, OVEN, ETC. OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON CEILING AND DUCT EQUIPMENT IN SERVING AREA. OBSERVED LOOSE AND DAMAGED BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS AND DAMAGED WALL SURFACES IN PREP AREA. OBSERVED LEFT HANDWASHING SINK NOT SECURE TO WALL IN LOWER-LEVEL GIRLS' WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

6-303.11 OBSERVED NO LIGHT INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

8-404.13 (B:3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2631007 ON 2-9-26:60-PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2611531 ON 2-3-25:55- OBSERVED CRUMBLED FLOOR IN PREP AREA IN FRONT OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND FRONT OF WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY 7-42-090

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 18, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 9, 2026

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HOT WATER (75.9F-79.5F) AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN LOWER-LEVEL BOYS' AND GIRLS' WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HOT WATER ALL HANDWASHING SINKS. PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LEAKING HOT WATER FAUCET AT HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN STAFF WASHROOM AND LEAKING FAUCET AT HANDWASHING SINK IN SERVING AREA. OBSERVED RIGHT FACUET NOT OPERABLE AT 3 FAUCET SINK IN GIRLS SECOND FLOOR WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN LUNCHROOM STAFF AND TEACHER STAFF WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES IN ALL WOMEN AND UNISEX WASHROOMS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. DUMPSTERS OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH AND LIDS NOT TIGHT-FITTING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE GARBAGE/DUMPSTER AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT KITCHEN NEAR REACH-IN COOLERS, FREEZERS, DRY STORAGE, PREP TABLES, OVEN, ETC. OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON CEILING AND DUCT EQUIPMENT IN SERVING AREA.OBSERVED LOOSE AND DAMAGED BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS AND DAMAGED WALL SURFACES IN PREP AREA. OBSERVED LEFT HANDWASHING SINK NOT SECURE TO WALL IN LOWER-LEVEL GIRLS' WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO LIGHT INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2611531 ON 2-3-25:55- OBSERVED CRUMBLED FLOOR IN PREP AREA IN FRONT OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND FRONT OF WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 9, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 3, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN CAFETERIA SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). NO CITATION ISSUED. MANAGER PROVIDED PAPERTOWELS.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR IN PREP AREA PROPPED OPEN DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CRUMBLED FLOOR IN PREP AREA IN FRONT OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND FRONT OF WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 3, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Mar 7, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

4-204.112(B) OBSERVED BROKEN THERMOMETER ON MILK COOLER IN SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THERMOMETER.NOTED MILK STORED INSIDE @ 35 DURING THIS TIME.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11 OBSERVED MISSING SPLASH GUARD ON HANDSINK CONNECTED TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TO PREVENT MISCELLANEOUS FORMS OF CONTAMINATION

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-202.16 OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR IN CAFETERIA NOT RODENT PROOF. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.13 OBSERVED BROKEN WALL BASE IN CAFETERIA FACING NORTH BROKEN AND OR MISSING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 7, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 22, 2024

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR IN CAFETERIA NOT RODENT PROOF. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BROKEN WALL BASE IN CAFETERIA FACING NORTH BROKEN AND OR MISSING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN BASEMENT NEAR CAFETERIA @ IMPROPER TEMPERATURES FOR HOT WATER. NOTED HANDSINKS IN BOYS' TOILET @ 67F, HANDSINKS IN GIRLS' TOILET RANGING BETWEEN 64-69F, AND STAFF TOILET ROOM HANDSINK @68.6F. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER @ MINIMUM REQUIREMENT OF 100F AND MAINTAIN FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (C). NO CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BROKEN THERMOMETER ON MILK COOLER IN SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THERMOMETER.NOTED MILK STORED INSIDE @ 35 DURING THIS TIME.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING SPLASH GUARD ON HANDSINK CONNECTED TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TO PREVENT MISCELLANEOUS FORMS OF CONTAMINATION.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 22, 2024 · Original Source

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