Health & Safety

Overview

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Title II of the ADA requires that public entities make their programs accessible to people with disabilities, though not necessarily each facility or part of a facility.

Notice of Accommodations

ISD 279 does not discriminate on the basis of disability for admission to its programs and services or in its employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

No qualified individual with a disability will, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of our services, programs, or activities, or be subjected to discrimination. We will administer services, programs, and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with disabilities.

Questions, complaints or requests for additional information may be forwarded to the designated ADA Coordinator listed in the "contact" box on this page. To request accommodations please contact the school or program coordinator. Requests for accommodation should be submitted at least 72 hours in advance.

Communications

Written documents will be made available in alternative formats such as Braille, large print, or audio tape to accommodate individuals with visual impairments. Auxiliary aids and services such as assistive listening devices and sign language interpreters will be made available for conferences, meetings and programs upon request. To make such a request, please contact the school at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance.

Reference Links

- U.S. Department of Justice – ADA Home Page
- Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.
- Great Lakes ADA Center

Asbestos does not present a hazard if it is properly maintained. In 1988, all ISD 279 school buildings were inspected by accredited personnel for asbestos-containing materials. Since then, the district has conducted surveillance checks every six months and re-inspected buildings every three years as required to ensure that asbestos is property maintained.

Except for floor tile, most of the asbestos in the district is limited to non-public areas such as mechanical rooms and above ceilings. ISD 279 has limited its asbestos removal to areas where renovation or maintenance activities are planned.

Management plans are on file and available for review in each building that has asbestos-containing materials.

Questions regarding this notice should be directed to the district health and safety coordinator at 763.391.7191.

Reference Links

- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- MN Pollution Control Agency

Proper maintenance of indoor air is more than a “quality” issue. It encompasses the safety and stewardship of our students, staff, and facilities. Children are especially susceptible to indoor air pollution because their lungs are still developing and they breathe a greater volume of air relative to their body weight. This makes air quality in schools of particular concern.

Minnesota school districts are required to develop and implement an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan and to monitor and improve indoor air quality. The Minnesota Department of Education has established guidelines that are based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) resource document, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools.

ISD 279 has developed and implemented an Indoor Air Quality Management Plan to monitor and improve air quality. Copies of the plan are available in each building. The goals of the plan are to:

• Educate and inform staff of the relationship between facilities and health

• Identify methods for proactively improving air quality and preventing IAQ problems

• Establish an effective system for identifying and resolving IAQ problems

• Reduce absenteeism and health problems relative to IAQ

• Improve communication regarding IAQ concerns

• Establish standards for housekeeping, maintenance and building use that will prevent or minimize IAQ problems

If your student is experiencing symptoms that may be related to the air quality, please contact your student's building principal.

Reference Links

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• American Lung Association
• Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

Pesticide Notice

The long-term health effects on children from the application of pesticides, or the class of chemicals to which they belong, may not be fully understood. Therefore, the district only uses pesticides when non-chemical methods have been ineffective.

A schedule of pesticide applications is available for review at each school office where pesticides are applied to school property. To view the application schedule or to be notified of any applications on days other than those specified (excluding emergency applications), contact your school principal. 

As recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health, Osseo Area Schools conducts lead in water testing every five years. In 2017-2018, samples from potable water sources in every district building were analyzed by an independent firm. From 2018-2019 forward, samples are collected and analyzed on the following cycle, which ensures that every building is tested every five years.

Year 1:
Arbor View Early Childhood Center, Basswood, Fernbrook, Maple Grove Senior High, Rush Creek and Weaver Lake

Year 2:
Cedar Island, Education Service Center, Oak View, Osseo Education Center, Maple Grove Middle School and Rice Lake

Year 3:
Community-Based Vocational Assessment and Training Program (Timberland), Elm Creek, Ice Arena, Osseo Area Learning Center, Osseo Middle School and Osseo Senior High

Year 4:
Brooklyn Middle School, Garden City, Fair Oaks, North View Middle School, Palmer Lake, Park Center Senior High and Zanewood

Year 5:
Birch Grove, Crest View, Edinbrook, Enrollment Center, Park Brook, Willow Lane Early Childhood Center and Woodland

Testing results are available upon request through the Coordinator of Health & Safety at 763-391-7191, who is the designated contact person for the district’s lead in water program.

Our Health & Safety training program is designed for employees of  Osseo Area Schools.

Use the Online Training link below to access the training program and courses.

If you have any questions or need assistance in completing your training courses, please contact the District Health & Safety Specialist at 763-391-7095.

Enter Online Training