South Orangetown Central School District

Environmental Health

SOCSD strives to provide safe, secure learning and work environments for our students and staff through comprehensive training, consistent facilities maintenance and enhancements, continuous monitoring and implementation of procedures aligned with industry best practices and Board policy.

Asbestos Management Plan

In accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, the South Orangetown Central School District has an Asbestos Management Plan for the identification and management of asbestos building materials. Community members may schedule an appointment to view the plan at the Greenbush Building, 623 Western Highway, Blauvelt, between the hours of 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday through Friday, by contacting the Director of Safety, Security & Compliance via email (jgulino@socsd.org) or by calling (845) 680-1800.​ View the August 8, 2023 memo.

Idling Buses on School Grounds

The Board of Education shall take steps to reduce the idling of school buses and other school vehicles. In compliance with Education Law §3637 and Commissioner’s Regulations §156.3(h), this policy shall govern the idling of school buses and all other school vehicles, whether owned, leased, or contracted for by the district. View Board of Education Policy 8414.6 – Idling Prohibition for School Buses and Other School Vehicles.

Pesticide Application Notice

SOCSD’s primary control method for dealing with pests in our district is a technique known as Integrated Pest Management. This method of pest control involves using strategies other than pesticides to control pests. However, as with any pest management system, the use of pesticides may be required in some situations. Pesticides may be used periodically throughout the school year both inside the district buildings and on the surrounding grounds. These applications, when required, will be made by certified individuals in accordance with the label directions.

Individuals that wish to be notified 48 hours in advance of pesticide application should complete and submit the Request to Be Placed on Pesticide Notification List form to the Facilities Office. Prior to any scheduled application, the Director of Facilities shall provide notification to all parties on the list. In the event of an emergency, application that is necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list. View Board Policy 8115: Pesticides and Pest Management.

Public Environmental Concerns

While the District makes every effort to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, environmental issues in the broader community are beyond our jurisdiction and control. Community members are encouraged to contact the appropriate government agency to report their concerns. Not sure who to contact? Reach out to one of the following organizations for assistance: Town of OrangetownRockland County Center for Environmental Health or New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Vape Detectors

Vape detectors are installed at both South Orangetown Middle School and Tappan Zee High School to promote and safeguard student health. This equipment is used to identify and deter vaping and other smoking-related activities in our schools. Any student caught vaping on school grounds will be subject to disciplinary measures in accordance with the District’s code of conduct and will be referred to their School Prevention Counselor.

Educating our students about the possible health risks associated with substance use, which includes vaping, is an integral part of our New York State Health curriculum. In addition, our School Prevention Counselors actively address possible risks to students and take actions to keep students safe in “real-time,” in alliance with other staff and students. SOCSD recognizes that some students may be engaged in dangerous behaviors that have become habitual. If you believe that your child needs help to stop vaping, please reach out to our School Prevention Counselors, Bobbie-Angela Wong (SOMS, bwong1@socsd.org) or Annemarie Scott (TZHS, ascott@socsd.org).

Water Testing

In compliance with the requirements of law and Title 10, Subpart 67-4 of the New York Code of Rules and Regulations, water outlets that could potentially be used for cooking or drinking (potable outlets) must be tested for the presence of lead at a minimum every three years. Where a potable outlet is determined to have lead levels above (>) 5 parts per billion (ppb), the New York State action level, the District is required to (1) discontinue use of the outlet for consumption; (2) implement a lead remediation plan to mitigate the lead level; and (3) provide building occupants with an adequate alternate supply of water for cooking and drinking. Go to the Water Testing page for the most current testing results and remediation actions.