PHILIPPI — Philip Barbour High School was closed Wednesday as a safety precaution due to paint fumes, officials said.

The following was posted to social media by Barbour County schools at approximately 7 a.m. Wednesday morning:

“Philip Barbour High School students will be on a non-traditional learning day for today due to unforeseen circumstances. All staff will report to the library at PMS (Philippi Middle School). Students will need to complete assignments remotely on their Chromebooks.”

Barbour Superintendent of Schools Eddie Benson has been quoted in published reports as saying that Wednesday’s closing was a precaution to protect students and staff from paint fumes created by the recent staining of the school’s gym floor.

At about 1 p.m. Wednesday, Barbour County Schools posted further information and apologized to PBHS families:

“Hello Philip Barbour Colt Families,

“We apologize for the late notice of today’s Remote Learning Day. Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff. Unfortunately, due to the resurfacing of our gym floor yesterday, there were fumes present in the building this morning. Out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to move to Remote Learning for today.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding, as this decision was made with everyone’s safety in mind.

“Thank you.”

After the initial post Wednesday morning, some parents posted comments on the Barbour County Schools Facebook page complaining about the late notice, with one parent saying that some students had already been picked up by a school bus Wednesday morning before the announcement was made, and now would be returning home.