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PEST MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOL FACILITIES AND ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

It is therefore the policy of M.S.A.D. No. 71 to incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and procedures for the control of structural and landscape pests.

The objective of the school unit’s IPM program will be to provide effective pest control while minimizing pesticide use. This objective will be addressed by the establishment of a Pest Management Plan.

The Superintendent and/or designee shall develop and implement a Pest Management Plan consistent with the following IPM principles and procedures:

A. Appointment of an IPM Coordinator

The Superintendent or designee will appoint an IPM Coordinator for the school unit. The IPM Coordinator will be the primary contact for pest control matters and will be responsible for implementing the IPM plan, including making pest control decisions.

The IPM Coordinator’s responsibilities include:

1. Recording and monitoring data and pest sightings by school staff and students.

2. Meeting with licensed pesticide applicators to share information about pest problems in school buildings and on school grounds.

3. Record and ensure that all maintenance sanitation recommendations are carried out where feasible.

4. Ensure that any pesticide use is done according to the school unit’s Pest Management Plan and during times when school is not in session. Areas where pesticides are applied will be properly posted according to State Board of Pesticide Control guidelines.

5. Evaluate the school unit’s progress in implementing the IPM plan.

6. Notify building principal of planned pesticide applications.

7. Record all pesticides used by either a professional applicator or licensed school staff as a means to track compliance with the school unit’s IPM policy.

B. Pesticide applicators

Any person who applies pesticides in school buildings or on school grounds must be trained and knowledgeable in the principles and practices of IPM and possess a Maine pesticide applicators license. All pesticide use must be approved by the school IPM Coordinator. Applicators must follow state regulations and label precautions, and must comply with the IPM policy and pest management plan.

C. Selection, use and storage of pesticides

Pesticides should be used only when needed. Non-chemical pest management methods will be implemented whenever possible to provide the desired control. The choice of using a pesticide will be based on a review of all other available options (sanitation, exclusion, mechanical means, trapping, biological control) and a determination that these options have not worked or are not feasible. When it has been determined that a pesticide must be used to achieve pest management goals, the least hazardous pesticide will be selected.

Pesticide purchases should be limited to the amount expected to be used for a specific application or during the year. Pesticides will be stored in an appropriate, secured location not accessible to students or unauthorized personnel.

D. Notification of students, staff and parents of use of pesticides

A notice will be provided to staff, students and parents at the beginning of the school year briefly explaining the school unit’s pesticide use policy and indicating that pesticides may be used both indoors or outdoors, as needed. The school will notify staff and students of planned indoor pesticide treatments at least 48 hours in advance by posting notices in designated areas in school building. In the case of emergencies, such as stinging insects, the 48 hour notice will be waived.

E. Record keeping

In order to keep track of pesticide use and locate problem areas in buildings and on school grounds, records of pesticide use will be maintained at each school site for two years. Records are to be completed on the day the pesticide is applied. Pest surveillance records should be maintained to verify the need for pesticide treatments.

Legal References: 22 M.R.S.A. §§ 1471-A – 147-X

Me. Dept. of Ag. Reg. Ch. 28 § 26 (June 2000)

Cross References: EBAA – Chemical Hazard

Adopted: 04/23/01

Amended: 07/19/04