Parents expressed their relief on Monday as students returned to St. Mary's Elementary School after a bat infestation, weeks of cleanup, and safety inspections kept the campus from normal use.
The return followed a shutdown that began after bats were seen flying inside parts of the school building, prompting district leaders to close the campus as a precaution. The Camden County school superintendent has said more than 200 bats were found inside the building during the response.
Addressing the Bat Infestation
The district said the work went beyond removing animals and included repairs and deep cleaning before students could safely come back. In a January media release explaining the process, Camden County Schools described bat remediation as a "highly regulated" multi-step effort that must follow state and federal guidance because bat populations are protected, according to First Coast News.
The district said it worked with licensed wildlife removal and facilities professionals, and that the building would need clearance after inspections by certified air quality technicians and the local Department of Health.
Camden County Schools said the remediation included a top-to-bottom cleaning and sanitation of the entire building. The district also said crews removed and replaced damaged ceiling tiles, replaced gutters and other exterior components affected by roosting activity, and sealed entry points to prevent bats from getting back inside.
Reports noted that state officials believed the bats were Brazilian free-tailed bats and that they likely entered through a flaw beneath the gutters.
During the closure, students and staff were temporarily relocated to the College of Coastal Georgia in Kingsland while work continued. The district said bus service continued for students who normally ride, and students who typically walk were also transported between the elementary school and the college site.
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Relocating the Students
Camden County Schools said breakfast and lunch were served at the temporary location and recess was scheduled, while morning extended-day care was not available during relocation, but after-school care continued. The district also said absences during the relocation were administratively excused, and make-up work would be provided, Action News Jax reported.
Parents picking up students on Monday told First Coast News they were glad to see classes back in session, while still watching closely to make sure the follow-up work continues.
The same report said the district described the building as thoroughly inspected and cleaned, and meeting health and safety standards before reopening. First Coast News also reported that the cleanup and repairs were expected to cost about $2 million.
Earlier in the incident, public health officials told News4JAX they had seen no sign of direct contact between students and bats and said bat discoveries in large buildings are uncommon.
The superintendent said the school would undergo air quality testing and a full inspection before anyone was allowed back inside, and that parents who wanted to review inspection reports could request them, as per News4 Jax.
