A New Hampshire elementary school has temporarily shut its doors after hundreds of hibernating bats were discovered inside the building. Richards Elementary School in Newport closed for a day on Monday for a thorough inspection, following reports of staff members not feeling well, according to Donna Magoon, superintendent of the Newport School District.
Hibernating Bats Found in the School
The issue first came to light in mid-December when staff noticed the presence of bats in the school. Upon inspection, the facilities team discovered that the bats had taken refuge in an older part of the building, hiding in ceiling tiles and behind insulation. According to Magoon, the flying mammals were able to enter through small gaps around pipes and other unnoticed openings in the building. “The bats have been finding their way into the occupied area of the building through small holes in ceiling tiles and other gaps,” Magoon stated as quoted by the Boston.com.
School Closures and Inspection
In response to the bats’ presence, the school was closed on Monday to allow for further inspections. No bats were seen during the Monday inspection, which is typical during hibernation, as the creatures often remain hidden. The district is also taking proactive measures by contracting with experts to monitor bat activity every two weeks, as reported by the Boston.com. Additionally, the facilities team is working to ensure that all ceiling tiles remain intact and any damaged ones are quickly replaced.
Plans for Bat Eviction
The school district has devised a long-term plan to address the bat issue. Starting in March, a “bat eviction process” will be implemented. This will include sealing off the bats’ entry points and installing a one-way exit door, allowing the animals to leave the building safely without re-entering.
Meanwhile, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) has announced that students will have a snow day on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This will not be an e-learning day. BCSC urges families to stay safe and continue monitoring updates through their website, ParentSquare, and local media for any further announcements.
