SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KGTV) - Pictures taken from inside a Hoover High School bathroom show trash and feminine products overflowing a trashcan and empty soap dispensers.
Sally Smith, a child protection advocate and attorney, couldn't help but notice the conditions when she was at the school for a meeting.
"I looked in the bathroom and it smells. The odor was overwhelming. I walked in and saw the trash bins were overflowing with human refuse. The sinks have rust and there are no soap dispensers," said Smith.
Students on campus say it's not an unusual sight.
"It's just gross, you know what I mean? It's not what you want to use when you're going to school, especially if you're a female. It's not sanitary," said sophomore, Jada Moore.
The sophomore says she avoids the bathrooms unless it is absolutely necessary to use one.
Kiaran Doyle also avoids the restrooms. Doyle attends adult school held in the same building.
"I don't typically use the bathrooms here because they look so gross. The floors look wet and there's always toilet paper on the floor," said Doyle. "They [students] come here because they have to and they deserve a certain level of sanitary bathrooms."
Smith is concerned the district has cut down on custodial services and the problem is more widespread across the district. The district, however, has not confirmed that claim with 10News.
According to the district, Principal Jason Babineau says the pictures don't reflect what their bathrooms typically look like.
He says bathrooms are cleaned twice a day and that several custodians were out sick on Tuesday, the day the pictures were taken.
Babineau also says soap is refilled every night and that staff is aware of the broken dispenser.
Statement from Principal Jason Babineau:
Hoover High School prioritizes the health and safety of our students and staff. Our school community works together to ensure campus cleanliness meets the high standard our students deserve. While these pictures were taken after school and prior to our evening custodial daily rounds, they do not reflect the level of excellence we represent at Hoover High School.
Smith has filed a formal complaint with the San Diego Health Department.
