Purpose

The district shall utilize integrated pest management procedures to manage structural and landscape pests and the toxic chemicals used for their control in order to alleviate pest problems with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment.

The district shall integrate IPM education into the curriculum in accordance with relevant academic standards.[1][2]

Definitions

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the coordinated use of pest and environmental information to design and implement pest control methods that are economically, environmentally and socially sound. IPM promotes prevention over remediation and advocates integration of at least two (2) or more strategies to achieve long-term solutions.

Integrated Pest Management Plan is a plan that establishes a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks.[3]

Authority

The Board establishes that the district shall use pesticides only after consideration of the full range of alternatives, based on analysis of environmental effects, safety, effectiveness and costs.[4][5]

The Board shall adopt an Integrated Pest Management Plan for district buildings and grounds that complies with policies and regulations promulgated by the Department of Agriculture.[3][5]

Delegation of Responsibility

The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible to implement integrated pest management plan and to coordinate communications between the district and the approved contractor.

The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible to annually notify parents/guardians of the procedures for requesting notification of planned and emergency applications of pesticides in school buildings and on school grounds.[6]

Appropriate personnel involved in making decisions relative to pest management shall participate in update training.

Guidelines

Pest management strategies may include education, exclusion, sanitation, maintenance, biological and mechanical controls, and site appropriate pesticides.

An integrated pest management decision shall consist of the following five (5) steps:

1. Identify pest species.
    
2. Estimate pest populations and compare to established action thresholds.
    
3. Select the appropriate management tactics based on current on-site information.
    
4. Assess effectiveness of pest management.
    
5. Keep appropriate records.

An Integrated Pest Management Plan shall include the education of staff, students and the public about IPM policies and procedures.

When pesticide applications are scheduled in school buildings and on school grounds, the district shall provide notification in accordance with law, including:[6]

1. Posting a pest control sign in an appropriate area.
    
2. Providing the pest control information sheet to all individuals working in the school building.
    
3. Providing required notice to all parents/guardians of students or to a list of parents/guardians who have requested notification of individual applications of pesticides.

Where pests pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of students or employees, the district may authorize an emergency pesticide application and shall notify by telephone any parent/guardian who has requested such notification.[6]

The district shall maintain detailed records of all chemical pest control treatments for at least three (3) years. Information regarding pest management activities shall be available to the public at the district's administrative office.[6]