Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral commonly used in construction products and equipment components for many years. Most people have been exposed to asbestos at some point in their life. As a building material, it poses no health risk as long as it is undisturbed.

As per the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA):

• All BISD school facilities are inspected for asbestos-containing materials. In the facilities that have known asbestos containing materials, they continue to undergo inspections every three years by third-party licensed professionals. Newly constructed facilities are also inspected.
• Areas that have known asbestos-containing materials are inspected every six months by the districts Certified Asbestos Designated Person.
• Students, parents, and employees are notified of the management plan annually in the Safety and Security section of the student and employee handbooks.
• Bastrop ISD’s Environmental Services Department is responsible for implementing and monitoring the asbestos management plans.
• Maintenance, Construction, and Custodial staff attend the mandated AHERA two-hour asbestos awareness training.

Integrated Pest Management Policy

Bastrop ISD is committed to the use of an Integrated Pest Management program as an approach to pest control through regular monitoring and record keeping and determine if and when treatments are needed. Our policy on the use of pesticides is to use the least toxic to maintain a safe environment for the students and staff as recommended by the Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Service. The benefit of maintaining an IPM program is to prevent pest populations from reaching unacceptable levels while minimizing unfavorable sociological, economical or environmental consequences. To view the State and National IPM Standard for Schools please click on the links at the bottom of the page.

Policy Statement

Building and landscape pests can pose significant problems to students, staff, property and the environment. Through inspections and the use of “least toxic” chemicals the district will maintain control of building and landscape pests while maintaining a safe environment to students and faculty.

School Pest Management Procedures

The district’s decision to implement IPM principles will prevent unacceptable levels of pest activity and damage. Chemical controls are used as a last resort. IPM practitioners depend on current, comprehensive information on the pest and its environment, and the best available pest control methods to use.

Notification

This School District takes the responsibility to notify the school staff of upcoming treatments which will involve a pesticide. Notification of the District use of pesticides is printed on the Student Handbook which is sent home with students at the beginning of the school year. Proper notification to all campus’ is given as required by the Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Service. For further information please contact the IPM Coordinator in the Maintenance Department.

Pesticide Storage

Pesticides will be stored and disposed of in accordance with the Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Service registered label directions and State or Local regulations. Pesticides are stored in the Maintenance Department not accessible to students or unauthorized personnel.

Pesticide Applicators

Pesticide applicators are educated, trained and licensed with the Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Service in the principles and practices of IPM and the use of pesticides approved by this School District, and they follow regulations and label precautions. Applicators must be certified by the Structural Pest Control Service’s IPM Program and comply with the School District’s IPM Policy and Pest Management Plan.