Annual Parent Notifications

Annual Pesticides, Asbestos & Indoor Air Quality 8/26/2021

SCHOOL YEAR PESTICIDE NOTIFICATION

In compliance with the Parents Right to Know Act of 2000, Mankato Area Public Schools has an Integrated Pest Management Plan in place designed to minimize the risk to human health and the environment and to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. Mankato Area Public Schools does not apply pesticides on school property unless all other measures have failed to control the problem. In the event that insect control sprays and dusts need to be applied, it will only be done when students are absent from the areas, and will be out of the area until the spray and any odor has dissipated. If you would like to be notified prior to a chemical application, please contact the District’s Facilities and Safety office.

SCHOOL YEAR ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION
Mankato Area Public Schools, in accordance with the Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), has a stringent inspection and management program for all asbestos containing building materials. The district strives to maintain a safe and healthful environment for our community’s youth and employees. Every three years, all buildings owned and leased by the district are re-inspected for asbestos content by an accredited inspector with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Every six months, all materials containing asbestos are surveyed. Any materials needing repair or removal are done so safely and responsibly under our asbestos operation and maintenance program. Mankato Area Public Schools has a list of locations and types of asbestos containing materials found in our buildings. A copy of the asbestos management plan is available for review in the District Facility office. Questions related to the plan should be directed to Scott Hogen, Director of Facilities and Safety.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY NOTIFICATION

Mankato Area Public Schools has a strong commitment to providing and maintaining good air quality. Our schools follow EPA guidelines to improve our indoor air quality (IAQ) by preventing as many IAQ problems as possible, and by quickly responding to any problems that may arise. Good indoor air quality requires an ongoing commitment by everyone in our schools because each of us makes daily decisions and perform activities that affect the air quality. Throughout the year, air quality is monitored and air handling systems are maintained on an established schedule to insure good air quality. Our District Health & Safety Department will follow up on any reported IAQ problems. The Mankato Area Public Schools has agreed to administer the IAQ Management Plan, which includes taking a team leadership role, coordinating emergency response, and serving as our information resource. Questions should be directed to the District Facilities and Safety Office.

RADON SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN

To keep our students and staff safe, and because district leadership has placed a high priority on wellness initiatives — including radon testing — MAPS initiated a radon testing program in 2000.

Minnesota Statute 123B.571 requires school districts to develop a Radon Management Plan which follows EPA and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines of testing for radon after any renovation to a building or HVAC system, or every 5 years and to reduce levels to below 4 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). Additional information and test results can be found in the Facilities  Health and Safety section.

LEAD IN WATER SAFETY PLAN

Mankato Area Public Schools is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment for employees and students. The district has developed a lead in water management plan and testing program that complies with Minnesota Statute 121A.3345, as well as recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Lead Contamination Control Act (LCCA) of 1988 and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

Minnesota Statute 121A.335 requires public school buildings serving pre-kindergarten through grade 12 to test for lead in water every 5 years. This statute also requires school districts to make the results of the testing available to the public for review and to notify parents of the availability of the information. Additional information and test results are located in the Facilities Health and Safety section.