Matt Karshna, Building and Grounds Supervisor
414-525-8450
mkarshna@whitnall.com
The Whitnall Buildings and Grounds Department consists of the Building and Grounds Supervisor and the custodial staff who work in the four buildings. The building and grounds of the District cover approximately 600,000 square feet of floor space, 63 acres of grass and field space, 4 large parking lots and corollary blacktopped playground areas. The work includes preventative maintenance, regular cleaning, routine maintenance, and emergencies. We are very proud of the well maintained facilities and of the efforts the staff makes in supporting the District's pursuit of quality education.

Community Use of Facilities
The District believes in maximizing the benefits of its facilities and properties; thus, the School Board permits use of the buildings and grounds by school and community organizations when school is not in session and/or when the request for usage is not in conflict with a school-based activity. If you are interested in learning about how your group or organization might use the facilities, visit School Board policy #830, Use of School Facilities and procedure #830R for specific information.

Asbestos Management
The School District is in compliance with all asbestos requirements as outlined in the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). This Act requires all school districts, public and private K-12, to inspect each of their buildings for asbestos containing materials and write a management plan which outlines how any asbestos will be handled. Copies of these inspection reports and the management plan are available for review at each school office as well as the District Buildings and Grounds Office at 5000 S. 116 Street, Greenfield, WI.

The Whitnall School District is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all children and employees in our schools. We will continue to monitor, inspect, repair or remove materials containing asbestos from our buildings. There were four minor abatements performed within the District during the past year. A three year asbestos re-inspection of all District facilities was completed during March 2006.

If you would like more information regarding our AHERA Program, you may call Matt Karshna, Buildings and Grounds Supervisor and AHERA Designated Person, at 414/525-8450 or contact him at mkarshna@whitnall.com

Integrated Pest Management
The Whitnall School District uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for managing insects, rodents and weeds. Our goal is to protect every student from pesticide exposure by using this approach to pest management. Our IPM approach focuses on making the school building and grounds an unfavorable habitat for these pests by removing food and water sources and eliminating their hiding and breeding places. We accomplish this through scheduled cleaning and maintenance. We routinely monitor the school buildings and grounds to detect any pests that are present. The pest monitoring team consists of our custodial personnel and building staff. Pest sightings are reported to our IPM designated staff (Whitnall currently has 3 certified staff members) who evaluate the "pest problem" and determines the appropriate pest management techniques to address the problem. The techniques can include increased sanitation, modifying storage practices, sealing entry points, physically removing the pest, etc.

From time to time, it may be necessary to use chemicals to manage a pest problem. Chemicals will only be used when necessary, and will not be routinely applied. When chemicals are used, the school will try to use the safest product possible. (Applications of chemicals will be made only after normal school hours or on non-school days). Notices will be posted in these areas for 72 hours.

Parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school may request prior notification of specific pesticide applications made at the school. To receive notification, you must be placed on the school notification registry. If you would like to be placed on the registry, please notify the District in writing.

If a chemical application must be made to control an emergency pest problem (example: stinging insects), notice will be provided by telephone to any parent or guardian who has requested such notification in writing. Exemptions to this notification include disinfectants and anti-microbial products; self-containerized baits placed in areas not accessible to students; gel type baits placed in cracks, crevices or voids; and swimming pool maintenance chemicals.

If you would like more information regarding the IPM approach, you may call Matt Karshna, Buildings and Grounds Supervisor at 414/525-8450 or contact him at mkarshna@whitnall.com

Visit School Board policy #730.1 Pest Management for Healthy Schools and procedure #730.1R.