Ione, Amador County, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Ione Elementary School in Amador County has temporarily closed due to a flea infestation affecting portable classrooms. The closure, initiated to ensure student safety, followed reports of fleas discovered late last week. Parents were notified through emails from school officials, although some were already aware of the issue. The district coordinated pest control measures and provided meal services for families during this emergency. Experts suggest the infestation may be linked to rodent issues and emphasize the need for effective management to protect the school environment.
Ione – Ione Elementary School in Amador County temporarily closed its doors on Wednesday due to a flea infestation affecting the backside portables of the campus. The abrupt closure came after fleas were first discovered in a couple of classrooms surprisingly late in the previous week. The decision was made to ensure the safety of students and staff while pest control interventions were executed.
Parents received notifications through a series of emails sent out by both Ione Elementary and the Amador County Unified School District on September 2. The emails provided important details regarding the infestation and outlined steps that families needed to take. Despite the prompt communication, some families expressed that they were already aware of the ongoing issue prior to the emails.
Ronnie Gould, a parent of two students at the school, shared her concern, noting that her son had observed changes in the school’s environment after a classmate spotted a flea. As a precaution, his class was moved to the cafeteria following the report. Parents like Gould highlighted the sudden nature of the news, although they acknowledged having prior knowledge of flea sightings.
The situation escalated as the school district examined the concerns and confirmed the spread of fleas to multiple classrooms. In response to this public health matter, the emergency closure was initiated to permit a thorough pest control treatment throughout the affected areas. This effort aimed to restore a safe learning environment for students and staff ahead of their anticipated return on Thursday.
To accommodate families affected by the closure, the Amador County Unified School District coordinated with its food service department to provide meals at Ione Junior High’s multipurpose room. Drive-by meal services were available from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. for those impacted by the unexpected closure.
Experts like Lynn Kimsey, a professor emeritus at UC Davis, noted that flea infestations can frequently be linked to issues concerning rodents or the presence of deceased animals. Kimsey emphasized that effective management of flea problems requires controlling rodent populations, as it is critical to break the cycle that allows fleas to thrive in such environments.
As the school district moves forward, they have utilized one of their designated emergency closure days to address the infestation, prioritizing student health and safety. However, the specifics of what caused the initial flea sightings prior to the closure remain unclear. The district quickly communicated the closure to ensure that parents were informed as soon as it became necessary to protect the students.
Overview of Closure and Impact
- Location: Ione Elementary School, Amador County
- Closure Date: Wednesday, September 2
- Reason: Flea infestation in classrooms and portables
- Emergency Measures: Pest control treatment implemented
- Meal Services: Provided at Ione Junior High’s multipurpose room
Background Context
In recent weeks, there have been multiple reports from parents regarding flea sightings, leading to growing concern among families. The discovery of fleas in a couple of classrooms prompted further investigations, revealing a broader spread of the issue. School officials swiftly acted to close the school, reflecting their priority on student and staff well-being during this public health concern.
FAQ
Why did Ione Elementary School close?
The school closed due to a flea infestation discovered in the portable classrooms, prompting an emergency pest control response to ensure safety for students and staff.
When did the closure occur?
The closure took place on Wednesday, September 2.
What measures did the school district take during the closure?
The district initiated pest control treatments and provided meal services for affected families at Ione Junior High’s multipurpose room.
Were parents notified about the closure?
Yes, parents received a series of emails immediately following the decision to close the school, informing them of the situation and next steps.
What should parents do if they have concerns about fleas at their child’s school?
Parents are encouraged to communicate with school officials regarding their concerns and to stay informed about any updates or pest control efforts being implemented.
