Taming of the shrew
In the past month, Dr. Jill Jacoby’s duties have extended beyond those normally associated with an administrator. The Fort Cherry School District superintendent crawled through a trench under the high school in search of the source of a musty smell and extensively researched Pennsylvania wildlife.
On Wednesday, she found herself reaching out to local media to dispel rumors of a rodent infestation.
“Actually, (shrews) are mammals, not rodents,” said Jacoby.
After a student posted to social media that the school was being inundated by the furry creatures, Jacoby sent out an email explaining the situation.
About three weeks ago, the district began investigating a musty smell coming from high school classrooms. Students were sent home, and the building closed for a day as tests for mold, mildew and water intrusion were done. All results were negative.
The building was inspected by a host of specialists, including foundation, heating and cooling, water intrusion, plumbing and environmental specialists. No problems were found and Jacoby was told the smell was attributed to high humidity. The district was advised to continuously run the ventilation system.
A little over a week ago, classrooms were emptied of built-ins, bookcases and desks.
And the source of the smell was uncovered – a nest of shrews, small animals resembling moles.
Further investigation revealed a nest containing three shrews and their source of entry – a small hole in the corner of the building running along heating pipes.
The smell, apparently, is caused by shrew saliva, which the animal uses to paralyze and subdue small prey.
Jacoby said the nest was removed and the classrooms were professionally cleaned and the air scrubbed. Because the shrew is a mammal and not a rodent, the district is currently working with a specialist to prevent future intrusions.
Jacoby said there was never harm to students or staff. Classroom carpets will be replaced over Thanksgiving break as a preventative measure.
Although she’s glad to be rid of them, Jacoby said the situation presented a teaching opportunity.
“It was a good science lesson,” she said.