ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
When was Stephen Decatur Elementary School last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Sep 29, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 1 violation recorded. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
4 inspections on record, from Oct 3, 2023 to Sep 29, 2026.
Has Stephen Decatur Elementary School ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 4 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Oct 3, 2023.
The Full Inspection History
4 inspections
Canvass Re-Inspection
Sep 29, 2026
Pass
1 recorded violation
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official Wording
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector’s Notes
5-205.15 REPAIR THE SOURCE OF THE WATER LEAK BENEATH THE STEAM TABLE AT THE SERVICE LINE.
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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 29, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass
Sep 16, 2025
Pass
3 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official Wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s Notes
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.
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.
MUST NOT USE CLOTH TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN THE DISH ROOM.
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.
NOTED DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS UNDER BOTH ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINKS. MUST CLEAN 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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 16, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Sep 19, 2024
Pass
3 recorded violations
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE PREP AREA FLOOR DRAINS. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS 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.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s Notes
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.
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.
OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT DOORS SWEEPS BY MAIN ENTRANCE. MUST RODENT PROOF DOORS AND MAINTAIN.
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.