Annual Asbestos Notification

Owatonna Public Schools, in accordance with the Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) continues to implement an E.P.A. approved asbestos management plan. This plan has been developed to identify and manage asbestos containing materials within ISD #761 buildings. ISD #761 approaches this issue in a safe and proactive manner to ensure the health and safety of students, staff, and other building occupants.

The following asbestos related activities have been completed in the 2025-2026 year or will be conducted within the year 2026-2027 throughout Owatonna Public School buildings.

Annual indoor air quality (IAQ) Notification

Owatonna Public Schools ISD #761 in coordination with the Minnesota Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed an indoor air quality management plan. A factor of the IAQ management plan is the following yearly correspondence to all District residents on the status of IAQ issues within the District.

Formal approval of the IAQ Management Plan was completed by the ISD #761 School Board. The following IAQ related activities have occurred in the 2024-2025 school year and are planned for the 2025-2026 school year.

Owatonna Public Schools Integrated Pest Management notification

Parents' Right-To-Know Act of 2000

Per the “Parents Right to Know Act” that took effect on September 15, 2000, we are required to keep a schedule of pesticides* for anyone who might want to know when an application will be performed. This schedule must also be stored for a period of 6 years.

(This notice will be posted in each building in an area where both parents and staff can view it.)

Estimated application schedule for 2026-2027 school year:

1. August
2. October
3. December
4. February
5. March
6. May
7. Summer vacation
8. MEA break
9. Thanksgiving break
10. Winter break
11. Spring break

Pesticide List:
To see a list of possible pesticides* that could be used in the district buildings or on the district grounds, contact Paul Durbahn, Manager of Facilities, Operations and Safety for a current inventory and accompanying Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

*’Pesticides’ definition per Parents Right-to-Know Act: herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers
in EPA toxicity class I, II, or III

Lead-in-water annual notice

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. Notification may be accomplished by publishing a statement in a “Back to School” newsletter or publication that is available to staff, student, parents, and the public.

Owatonna 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.335, 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).

For more information on Owatonna Public Schools lead reduction and testing program, please feel free to contact Paul Durbahn, Manager of Facilities, Operations and Safety, at 507-444-8606.