Cabarrus County Schools is aware of an online petition and PETA statement involving the possibility that chimney swifts may be nesting in limited locations on the property that previously housed Beverly Hills Elementary School.  We appreciate those in the community that have brought attention to this potential issue, especially as the school system continues its work to prepare the site for a new pre-kindergarten building for the children of Mary Frances Wall Center, which serves children between the ages of 3 and 5.

This week, CCS staff retained a certified wildlife agent, Foremost Pest & Wildlife, to determine if any chimney swifts (Chaetura pelagica) are actually nesting at the site and, if so, where. Upon an inspection of the chimney on Monday, June 10, a Foremost Pest & Wildlife consultant determined, via a video camera inserted into the chimney, that “at the time of inspection, there was no evidence of birds, nests, eggs, or bats inside the chimney,” as included on a report submitted to CCS.  Once it was determined there was no wildlife present in the chimney, the consultant per standard practice placed a mesh screen over the chimney.  When CCS staff learned of the screen placement, they immediately requested its removal.  However, unbeknownst to CCS staff, the consultant did not remove, but rather rolled back the mesh netting to allow entry and exit.

Upon further review and in response to several inquiries from community members, Cabarrus County Schools staff returned to the chimney at 7:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 11, and discovered the rolled-back mesh, which was then completely removed from the chimney. At no time were birds prevented from entering or leaving the chimney.  There are currently no coverings over the chimney.

Even in the absence of nesting chimney swifts, Cabarrus County Schools is committed to taking a reasonable and responsible approach by delaying demolition on the chimney structure at the former Beverly Hills Elementary School until the end of the migratory period in mid-October as defined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Video provided by Foremost Pest & Wildlife taken June 10, 2024 of the interior of chimney on the former Beverly Hills Elementary site: