ARGONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Unified School District #359
202 E. Allen
Argonia, KS 67004
Dr. Rustin Clark                                                   			                           Mr.  Luke Greenwood
Supt/Elem Principal                                                                              	      		 Jr/Sr High Principal
620-435-6311	                                                                                                                                  620-435-6611

During the 1988-1989 school year, by order of the Argonia Public Schools, USD-359 completed a survey of all buildings owned or leased by the USD-359 as required by 40 CFR Part 763, Asbestos-Containing Materials in the Schools Rule.  This rule, which was enacted by Congress in 1987, requires all local education agencies to identify the location and condition of all asbestos-containing materials in schools and to develop plans to minimize the hazard of airborne asbestos fibers to building occupants.  

Each of our facilities was inspected by accredited asbestos inspectors.  The inspectors located, sampled, and rated the condition and the potential hazard of all material suspected to contain, or assumed to contain, asbestos. 

The inspection reports and laboratory analysis records were turned over to an accredited asbestos management planner who developed an asbestos management plan for each of our facilities.  The plans include the inspection report, hazard assessment, and procedures for controlling any hazards that may exist. 

Where asbestos is in good condition, as it is in most of our schools, asbestos-containing materials have been left in place serving their intended purpose.  Every six months, the Program Asbestos Manager examines all asbestos-containing materials in buildings owned or leased by USD-359 to determine their condition, as required by the above-mentioned Federal Rule.  In addition to our regular maintenance, asbestos removal activities have been completed at various sites through the years. The criteria for selecting the sites for asbestos abatement are need and budgetary constraints.  The three biggest priority conditions that would dictate asbestos removal are those where the damage to the asbestos-containing material is irreparable: where removal of the asbestos is required to make necessary repairs (such as re-piping); and where replacement of equipment (such as boilers) or major building renovations cannot be accomplished until the asbestos is removed.  All abatement activities are recorded in the building management plan.  

The asbestos management plan of your work/school site is available for your inspection at no cost or restriction.  Copies of the plan are located in the administration office of each school.  The plan can be reviewed during regular school/business hours.  A copy of the plan will be made available upon request for a reasonable fee.  Any question concerning the plan should be directed to the Asbestos Program Manager.