Laurel Springs School District

Integrated Pest Management                                                                                                      Policy #3510.1

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The New Jersey School Integrated Pest Management Act of 2002 requires schools to implement a school integrated pest management policy.  As per this policy, each local school board of a school district, the Chief Administrator of a public school, each board of trustees of a charter school, and each Principal or Chief Administrator of a non-public school as appropriate, shall implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures to control pests and minimize exposure of children, faculty, and staff to pesticides.  Laurel Springs School District shall develop and maintain an IPM plan as part of the district’s policy.

Integrated Pest Management Procedures in Schools

Implementation of IPM procedures will determine when to control pests and whether to use mechanical, physical, cultural, biological or chemical methods.  Applying IPM principles prevents unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

Each school shall consider the full range of management options, including no action at all.  Non-pesticide pest management methods are to be used whenever possible.  The choice of using a pesticide shall be based on a review of all other available options and a determination that these options are not effective or not reasonable.  When it is determined that a pesticide must be used, low impact pesticides and methods are preferred and shall be considered for use first.

Development of IPM Plans

The school IPM plan is a blueprint of how Stratford School District will management pests through IPM methods.  The school IPM plan states the school’s goals regarding the management of pests and the use of pesticides.  It reflects the school’s site-specific needs.  The IPM plan shall provide a description of how each component of the school IPM policy will be implemented at the school.  For Public schools, the Chief School Administrator, in collaboration with the school building administrator, shall be responsible for the development of the IPM plan for this school.

IPM Coordinator

The Chief School Administrator shall designate an integrated pest management coordinator, who is responsible for the implementation of the school integrated pest management policy.

Education/Training

The school community will be educated about potential pest problems and IPM methods used to achieve the pest management objectives.

The IPM Coordinator, other school staff and pesticide applicators involved with implementation of the school IPM policy will be trained in appropriate components of IPM as it pertains to the school environment. 

Students, parents/guardians will be provided information on this policy and instructed on how they can contribute to the success of the IPM program.

Record Keeping

Records of pesticide use shall be maintained on site to meet the requirements of the state regulatory agency and the school board.

Records shall also include, but are not limited to, pest surveillance data sheets and other non-pesticide pest management methods and practices utilized.

Notification/Posting

The Chief School Administrator of Stratford School District is responsible for timely notification to students’ parents or guardians and the school staff of pesticide treatments pursuant to the School IPM Act.

Re-entry

Re-entry to a pesticide treated area shall conform to the requirements of the School IPM Act.

Pesticide applicators

The IPM coordinator shall ensure that applicators follow state regulations including licensing requirements and label precautions, and must comply with all components of the School IPM Policy.

Evaluation

Annually, for public schools, the Chief School Administrator will report to the local school board on the effectiveness of the IPM plan and make recommendations for improvement as needed.

The local school board directs the Chief School Administrator to develop regulations/procedures for the implementation of this policy.

First Reading: November 15, 2006

Adopted: December 13, 2006

Legal References:                               The School Integrated Pest Management Act of 2002

                                                                N.J.A.C. Title 7 Chapter 30 Subchapters 1-12

                                                                Pesticide Control Act of 1971