Letter from Director of Operations

Each year it is required that I inform everyone on our policies for handling Asbestos and the new Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Below is some information regarding each topic.
Asbestos: The current operation and maintenance plan is maintained at the Superintendents office. This includes a 6-month surveillance program and a 3-year AHERA inspection conducted by an independent company as outlined in the State Regulations. The following facilities have been identified as having asbestos floor tile, ceiling tile or both. T.C. Hamlin, Pittston Elementary, and the Gardiner Area High School.
Integrated Pest Management: The objective of the IPM program is to provide effective pest control while minimizing pesticide use. Through maintenance and the cleaning, we will reduce or eliminate available food and water sources and hiding places for the pests. We will also routinely monitor the school area to detect pest problems and prevent the pest from becoming established.
Non-chemical methods will always be implemented first when dealing with pests. However, pesticides may be necessary to control individual pest problems. When this happens, the school will use the least hazardous effective pesticide feasible. Spraying of exteriors will only be used in a worse case situation and is not allowed at this time. The Director of Plant Operations is the only individual authorized to allow the contacted company to spray for pests.
Parents, legal guardians, and school staff will be notified of specific pesticide applications made at the school. To receive notification, you must be placed on the registry. Notification will be given at least five days before planned pesticide applications. Notices will also be posted in school and on school grounds. If you need a copy of the registry form please ask for one at the front office at your school. Please remember that we are not spraying for pests at this time and we would only use this in an extreme situation. Each school is required to maintain records of monthly inspection and information about the pesticides used.
If you have any questions about asbestos or the IPM program please feel free to call me at the Superintendent’s Office @ 582-5346. Thank you for taking time to read over this information and I hope everyone has a great year.
Sincerely,

Jonathan M. Stonier
Director of Operations