ST. MARYS, Ga. — UPDATE 1:17 A.M.

Authorities at St. Mary’s Elementary have announced that the school will remain closed until Tuesday, January 13.

The decision to close is taken as a precautionary step, with officials assuring that there poses “no immediate threat to students or staff.”

Classes scheduled for Monday have been canceled due to what the school termed an “unexpected safety issue on campus.”

According to the school, bats were discovered inside the facility. Out of “an abundance of caution,” the institution will stay closed to allow time for crews to safely remove them.

Due to the cancellation of school, officials say that students on school buses have been routed to St. Mary’s Middle School for pickup.

The school’s official message can be seen below:

School is canceled today due to an unexpected safety issue on campus.

This morning, bats were discovered inside parts of the school building. Out of an abundance of caution, the school has been closed for the day. A licensed pest control team is currently onsite safely removing the bats and inspecting the facility.

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will not reopen the building until it has been fully inspected and deemed safe.

We appreciate your understanding and patience. Additional updates will be shared as soon as more information is available.

Thank you for your cooperation.