The Alleghany Highlands Public School system logo.
The Alleghany Highlands Public School system logo.

The Alleghany Highlands School System closed Sharon Elementary School on Friday after rodents were spotted in the building.

In a statement Friday, the school system said: “The school was closed, as a precaution to protect the health and wellbeing of our students and staff. The maintenance staff was onsite Friday working aggressively to address the issue and remove the rodents from the building. An exterminator was onsite to assist with these efforts.

“AHPS leaders continue to work closely with the Virginia Department of Health and other regulatory agencies to ensure that the building is properly sanitized and cleaned before students and staff return. VDH’s Environmental Health Division has been very supportive of the steps we are taking to address the issue. We are also working closely with the Alleghany County Department of Public Works.  

“Our goal remains to resume classes at Sharon as soon as possible. Please also understand that we know Sharon is a very clean school with a very dedicated staff.  We appreciate all of the staff’s ongoing hard work.  We will update the public as information becomes available. A decision about resuming classes on Monday will be made Sunday by 7 p.m.”