Ione, Amador County, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Ione Elementary School in Amador County has closed its doors due to a flea infestation found in portable classrooms. This emergency decision was made to prioritize the health and safety of students and staff while pest control measures are being implemented. Parents were notified on September 2, and the district has coordinated meal services for affected families. The school aims to resolve the issue swiftly, reflecting a proactive approach to health concerns within educational settings.
Ione – Ione Elementary School in Amador County closed its doors on Wednesday due to a flea infestation identified in the portable classrooms located at the back of the campus. The decision to close was made to ensure the safety of students and staff while pest control measures are put into place.
Parents of students were notified of the closure through a series of emails sent on September 2 by both Ione Elementary and the Amador County Unified School District. Photos revealed that these notifications about the infestation and subsequent closure were issued on relatively short notice. With the closure, the district emphasized their commitment to the health and safety of all individuals on campus.
Ronnie Gould, a parent of two children at the school, shared insights about the situation, indicating that her son began to experience changes in the school environment after a report from a classmate about seeing a flea. As a precaution, the class was relocated to the cafeteria following the initial flea report. Gould expressed that although the closure was sudden, several parents had already been alerted about the potential flea issue within the school.
The superintendent’s office confirmed that fleas were initially detected in several classrooms late the previous week, and subsequent investigations uncovered a broader infestation affecting multiple classrooms. To address this urgent concern, the school implemented an emergency closure to allow for comprehensive pest control treatments throughout the contaminated areas.
According to the Amador County Unified School District, there were logistical challenges due to the closure, but they coordinated with food service providers to offer meals to affected families at Ione Junior High’s multipurpose room, available for drive-by service from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Lynn Kimsey, a professor emeritus at UC Davis, provided context regarding flea infestations, noting they often emerge from issues related to rodent populations or decomposing animals. Effective control of rodent populations is crucial in managing flea issues in educational settings.
This closure utilized one of the two scheduled emergency closure days allocated to the district. However, the underlying cause of the flea reports within the school prior to the closure remains unclear, suggesting a need for further investigation. The swift communication with parents highlights the district’s proactive approach in managing the developing situation effectively.
Background Context
School environments can face various pest-related issues, including fleas, which can be particularly disruptive and concerning for parents and staff. In light of the infestation at Ione Elementary School, it is vital for educational institutions to provide a safe learning environment, necessitating timely and efficient resolution strategies. The quick response from the district reflects the growing awareness of health and safety concerns in schools, particularly in the context of pest control.
FAQ Section
Why did Ione Elementary School close?
Ione Elementary School closed due to a flea infestation found in portable classrooms on campus to ensure the safety of students and staff while pest control measures are implemented.
When were parents notified about the closure?
Parents were notified on September 2 through a series of emails sent by both Ione Elementary and the Amador County Unified School District.
How did the school district assist affected families?
The district coordinated with food service providers to offer meals to affected families at Ione Junior High’s multipurpose room, available for drive-by service from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Key Features of Ione Elementary School Closure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ione, Amador County |
| Reason for Closure | Flea infestation in portable classrooms |
| Notification Date | September 2 |
| Response | Emergency closure for pest control |
| Meals for Families | Drive-by service at Ione Junior High |
| Expert Insight | Flea issues can relate to rodent control |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KCRA: Flea Infestation at Ione Elementary School
- Wikipedia: Flea
- Fox40: Amador County School Closure
- Google Search: Flea Infestation News
- Fox13: Berclair Elementary Flea Infestation Details
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pest
- Local Memphis: Flea Infestation at Berclair Elementary
- Google News: Berclair Elementary Flea Infestation
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
