Central Valley to inspect for possible bedbugs – Times Telegram – The Times Telegram

Times Telegram

ILION The Central Valley school district will inspect each of the districts school buildings on Feb. 10, 11 and 12 for the possible presence of bedbugs.

The action is in response to a student posting on social media of the blurred image of an insect found at Central Valley Academy on Feb. 7, according to a news release.

"We met with the student and he has second thoughts after seeing online pictures of actual bedbugs. The insect he photographed appears much larger than a bedbug," Superintendent Rich Hughes said in the release.

Hughes said the district emailed the image to Cornell Universitys Insect Diagnostic Lab on Feb. 8, hoping for confirmation, but the lab could not identify the specimen due to the image quality.

Without firm identification, the district decided to move ahead inspecting all school buildings, according to the release. Professionals from Orkin will conduct a thorough search of each building using specially trained dogs, according to the release.

"We believe the investment is worth everyones peace of mind," Hughes said. "From the moment the first image was posted, we began receiving calls from concerned parents. We notified the school community via our School Messenger system of the possible problem and the steps we were taking to determine whether we had an issue."

The superintendent said rumors and misinformation continued despite attempts to keep all stakeholders notified. People wanted more information, but the district had nothing new to share until now.

"It wasnt instant, but just 24 hours after learning of the insect, we have signed our contract with Orkin and have a schedule for the inspection. We will notify our community of the results and plans for treatment, if needed," he said.

Hughes praised school administrators and office staff for fielding the steady flow of frightened and sometimes angry phone calls, according to the release.

"In particular, CVA principal Rich Keeler and his office spent hours informing and calming parents and staff. They did a stellar job managing this," he said.

Only custodial staff may be in the buildings during inspection. District staff are notifying groups that normally use school facilities on weekends of any scheduling conflicts. Hughes said he hopes any inconvenience will be overshadowed by the need to complete the inspections as quickly as possible.

Following is the schedule:

5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10: Harry M. Fisher and Barringer Road elementary schools;

1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11: Gregory B. Jarvis Middle School; and

10 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12: Central Valley Academy.

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Central Valley to inspect for possible bedbugs - Times Telegram - The Times Telegram