Superintendent of Camden County Schools has announced that St. Mary’s Elementary School will remain temporarily relocated after the discovery of over 200 bats within the school premises.

From Tuesday, January 20, to Thursday, January 22, students and staff will continue to hold classes at the College of Coastal Georgia, situated at 8001 Lakes Boulevard in Kingsland. Additionally, all schools in Camden County will be closed on Monday, January 19, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The St. Mary’s Elementary campus is scheduled to stay closed until January 22, 2026, as comprehensive remediation work is carried out. A teacher workday is planned for Friday, January 23, to provide staff with the opportunity to organize classrooms and educational spaces. Students are expected to resume classes at the original campus on Monday, January 26.

District officials said the St. Mary’s Elementary campus will remain closed through Jan. 22, 2026, as crews complete an extensive remediation process. A teacher workday is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 23, allowing staff time to prepare classrooms and instructional spaces. Students are expected to return to campus Monday, Jan. 26.

Bus transportation will continue for students who currently ride the bus, and transportation will also be provided for students who typically walk to school. School hours will remain unchanged. Morning extended day program services will not be available, though after-school EDP will continue. Breakfast and lunch will be served daily, and recess will remain part of the school schedule.

Students who do not attend school during the temporary relocation will be administratively excused. Make-up work will be provided when students return following the weekend on Jan. 26.

District leaders said removing a bat infestation is a highly regulated, multi-step process designed to protect student and staff health while complying with environmental laws. The district is working with licensed wildlife removal and facilities professionals and consulting with state and federal agencies because bat populations are protected by law.

Before the building can be reoccupied, St. Mary’s Elementary must receive clearance following inspections by certified air quality technicians and the local health department. Those inspections are required to confirm indoor air quality meets safety standards and poses no health risk.

Remediation includes a top-to-bottom cleaning and sanitation of the entire school, specialized cleaning of impacted areas, removal and replacement of damaged ceiling tiles, and replacement of gutters and other exterior components affected by the bats. All work must be completed, inspected and verified before the campus can reopen.

Camden County Schools said the additional time is necessary to complete the work thoroughly and responsibly, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of students and staff remains the district’s top priority.

District officials thanked families and staff for their patience and said additional updates will be shared as they become available. The district also expressed gratitude to the College of Coastal Georgia and local community partners for providing support and space during the temporary relocation.