Finding of Bats Inside Elmhurst School Postpones First Day of Classes

The start of a new school year was postponed for two days after bats were found hiding in the multi-purpose room of an Elmhurst elementary school earlier this week.

The bats were discovered inside Jefferson Elementary School, 360 E. Crescent Ave,, on Aug. 17. Dist. w05 officials attributed the bats to recent maintenance performed on the building envelope between the interior and exterior walls. District officials have been in contact with DuPage County Department of Animal Control and the Health Department throughout the week.

The finding postponed classes at Jefferson on Thursday, which would have been the first day for students. District officials also received word that two bats sent to the county for testing were found negative for rabies. The district also canceled Friday’s classes at Jefferson “in an abundance of caution” to allow time for inspection by United Bat Control, which specializes in bat exclusion.

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“This will also enable the district to further ensure student safety by performing a thorough cleaning of the school, which includes all desks, chairs and surfaces, as well as a deep cleaning of the multipurpose room with a powerful, but environmentally friendly, disinfectant,” according to D205 news releases.

Cleaning crews have been inspecting the building in the evenings and early mornings when bats are most active, to roust out any stragglers. District officials said there have been no bats found inside Jefference School for 48 hours.

Jefferson is expected to be in session on Monday, Aug. 22. Parents will be updated by the principal via the district’s email and phone notification system sometime this weekend.