On the weekend of February 6th, a desk top computer was stolen from a Vanderbilt University Professor’s locked office.
That computer had the names, birthdates and social security numbers of 7,000 students, both past and present.
Vanderbilt University officials say the University is doing all it can to protect the sensitive information of these individuals.
In an email sent to victims, university officials wrote: “to help safeguard you from misuse of your personal information, Vanderbilt has arranged for you to receive 12 months of identity protection under the Debix Identity Protection Network at no cost to you.”
The email goes on to say that victims will receive credit alerts and up 1 million dollars in identity theft insurance.
Greg Pipes will graduate with a Vanderbilt Psychology degree in a few weeks. The 21 year old is one of the victims who received this email.
“I was concerned and a little scared at first. I have checked, it (credit) is fine right now. I hope it will stay that way. Vandy has provided protection, they have handled it well so far, which is about all I can ask for. A million dollars insurance: that is satisfactory in my book.”
Vanderbilt authorities would not say what building was broken into nor would they comment on what professor’s computer was taken. Officials tell us they have no suspects at this time.
The good news is that, according to officials, nobody’s personal information has been compromised so far.
They say fences make good neighbors, but around Neely’s Bend School, a fence has confused many community members.
A resident who chooses not to be identified tells Messed Up that a fence was constructed this past fall directly across a popular walking track behind the elementary school. The fence stretches approximately 100 yards and cuts the walking track in two.
Messed Up goes to the school system and this is what Communication Director Olivia Brown told us:
“There is a walking track that’s been there for years. It is maintained by the school. There was a change of ownership in neighboring property last year, and the new owner contacted schools late in the fall and said that track was on his property, and he was concerned of liability if someone was injured on the track. So to answer his concerns, the district erected a fence to keep kids from straying over.”
Brown says the fence was put up with the idea that this spring the track would be reconfigured so that it completes a circuit all on school property.
When told of this, the resident told Messed Up he is pleased and looks forward to using the track when the weather warms up.
Is an East Nashville school being neglected? Is it safe? Is it dirty? These are questions being raised by parents and school staff.
The sign hanging above the entry way at Kirkpatrick Elementary says “Where kids come first.”
Some parents we spoke to in the pick up line are not so sure.
“They come dead last,” grandmother, Darlene Fish. “You must understand they have cut the budget so bad. A Lot of kids are not getting the programs they need. It is pretty messed up. We had free time to go out and play. Now they don’t.”
Alberta Easley is at the school to pick up her 3rd grader. She agrees.
“I think we need more money in this community. It is an inner city school. They should do more.”
I ask if she has seen the playground in the rear.
“Yes it is terrible. It’s a shame I don’t think it should be that bad.”
She looks in the camera lens and talks directly to the Governor.
“It is a shame, that the Governor is letting my kid’s school go to ruins.”
I go around back and see a playground that is filled with gravel under playground equipment. I see plastic liners protruding through the weeds. I see sharp sticks and large rocks and a drainage ditch in the middle of it all.
I am told this is the playground intended for the K and Pre-K children.
School sources who wish to remain anonymous tell me that the teachers determined the playground is so unsafe, they cannot allow the children to play here.
I talk to Noelle Mashburn at Metro Public Schools: She declines an on camera interview but writes me this email:
Andy,
I’ve spoken with the principal, maintenance and our workplace safety department about Kirkpatrick – specifically your questions about the playground and property.
We had originally planned to build a new playground for the school last year, but to remain in compliance with metro building codes, we were unable. Some portable classrooms were sitting to close. Last week, the school and project planners met and discussed the options. It was decided last week to move the portables so the project planner can begin working on plans for the new playground. We do not have a specific timeline because we first have to get the portables moved. It is important to mention the school just received a brand new gymnasium that they’ve been using this fall.
The lawn at Kirkpatrick is on a fixed rotating schedule with all other MNPS properties. It was mowed Thursday, Oct. 8, in accordance with the maintenance department’s grounds-keeping schedule. You might also remember that the past month and a half have been extremely rainy and that does slow our grounds crews down.
In regards to the interior of the building, we received an email on 08/05/09 from the principal referencing “rodents and mold” in a classroom. The MNPS coordinator of environmental health responded to the call and did not find any visible mold, but did find some old carpet (with a musky odor) rolled up in the corner of the classroom. The head custodian was asked to remove the carpet and the district’s pest control vendor (middle Tennessee exterminating) responded on Aug. 8 and treated for mice. Again, we have not received any complaints since the Aug. 5 email, all of which were addressed. In fact, when I spoke with the principal this morning, she said there are no problems with the interior of the building.
Regardless, anytime we hear any concerns, the district sends a crew to examine. Today, our environmental health coordinator and coordinator of workplace safety will revisit Kirkpatrick.
Sincerely,
Noelle Mashburn
MNPS public information specialist
(615)259-8428
noelle.mashburn@mnps.org
I call the Metro Public Health Department about the school. Brent Hager sends out an inspector and issues me this update:
This morning I received a call from Jeff at codes regarding a complaint they had received about the above school from Andy Cordan. The complaint said that Andy was inquiring about inspections and problems at this school. We have not received any recent complaints on this school and did our last required annual inspection 11/18/08 (score 92) with a follow-up inspection 12/19/08. I called Andy and learned the school now has several issues with needed repairs, playground equipment and tall grass which he said has just been cut. Tommy Eubanks will make a complete inspection today and will advise.
Tommy completed his inspection today, including photographs, and found the following:
• roof leaks-Maxwell roofing was called;
• piping leaks;
• Presence of insects. this is a critical 5 point violation which requires proper treatment and a re-inspection within 30 days;
• Protruding nails in picnic tables. principal said they just need to get rid of the tables;
• trash and debris on yard;
• High grass and weeds, particularly in and under the portables. some grass had been cut;
• Tripping hazard with tarp on playground. Tommy was informed the children use the adjacent community center playground equipment and gym which is very nice. there was a place where turf had been on the small community center slide that had been removed creating a rough area;
• the ditch in the back needs some work;
• there was a strong fowl odor in one area of the school and the principal was notified;
• in general, windows, walls and floors need some cleaning and repairs but were not so bad as to be marked as a critical violation; and
• The score achieved was a 78.
Metro Health Department says the next step is to re-inspect the school to see if changes had been made.
by
