St. Marys Elementary School swung its doors back open on Tuesday after a weeks‑long bat infestation chased students off campus and into temporary classrooms elsewhere. District officials say regular classrooms are now back in use after wildlife crews removed the animals and completed full remediation work.
Relocation and inspections
The school initially closed in mid‑January after bats were discovered inside the building, and students were relocated while licensed wildlife and facilities crews handled removal and exclusion efforts. Camden County Schools reported that the campus remained closed through January 22, with students expected to return on Monday, January 26, following inspections by certified air‑quality technicians and the local health department.
The cleanup
Television footage and reports showed crews removing a large bat roost from inside the school, with workers handling more than 200 bats during the operation. The video coverage and inside look at the cleanup were provided by First Coast News and also reported by Spot On Florida.
Health concerns and what experts say
Pest-control specialists noted that bat droppings, or guano, can dry into dust that may circulate through HVAC systems, posing potential respiratory risks if contaminated areas are not fully cleaned. Environmental health officials told local reporters that, although uncommon in a large school building, such situations require a regulated, multi-step remediation process and thorough inspections before reentry.
Price tag and reopening
Local coverage reported that the district spent approximately $2 million on repairs, specialized cleaning, and replacement of damaged materials to prepare the campus for students. The spending and the school’s return to in-person classes were detailed in First Coast News reporting and also reported by Spot On Florida.
What comes next
Camden County Schools said it will continue monitoring the building and provide updates to families while following state and federal guidelines on wildlife removal and public-health clearance. The district also acknowledged the College of Coastal Georgia and community partners for hosting students during the remediation period and stated that safety and well-being remain its top priorities.
