A New Hampshire elementary school was shut down for inspection following the discovery of hundreds of hibernating bats in the building. The Richards Elementary School in Newport was closed as a precaution after the flying mammals were found to be entering the occupied areas through small holes in the ceiling tiles and gaps around pipes. The superintendent of the Newport School District, Donna Magoon, emphasized that the safety of the students and staff is their top priority, leading to the closure and thorough inspection of the school.
Discovery of Bats and Response
The issue came to light after some staff reported feeling unwell, prompting inspections that revealed the presence of hundreds of bats in the school building. These bats were found hiding in various locations such as poles and ceilings, leading to the decision to seal off entry points and conduct regular inspections to address the problem proactively.
History of Bats in the School
Residents recall that bats have been a longstanding issue in the building, with former students remembering encounters with the creatures dating back to the 1980s. Dawn Whitehouse, who attended the elementary school in that era, shared a story of a bat landing on a classmate’s desk and students being allowed to peek into the attic to catch a glimpse of these nocturnal visitors.
Future Plans and Reopening
Superintendent Magoon outlined the steps that will be taken to resolve the bat infestation, including a bat eviction process scheduled to start in March. This process will involve sealing entry points and installing one-way exit doors to allow the bats to leave the premises. The school is set to reopen on Tuesday, with ongoing inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of the school community.