The District has followed the Department of Agriculture’s recommended Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures for several years. In the District’s management plan, the last step in the control of pests is to use pesticides. There are several steps taken first, such as identification, sealing of cracks, removal of the food source, self-contained bait traps, etc. The regulations require at least a seventy-two (72) hour notice before each planned treatment.
In the case of an emergency pesticide application, parents/guardians who have requested notification will be contacted by phone. Any parent or guardian may request such notification by submitting a letter of request to the building principal.
The law requires pesticides are not applied within a school building or grounds where students are expected to be present for normal academic instruction or organized activities within seven hours following the application or longer if the pesticide label recommends a longer re-entry time.
Students may not be present in an untreated portion of the school unless the area being treated has a separate ventilation system. Obviously, should an incident require emergency treatment, great care is taken to ensure students will not be exposed to pesticides.
Questions about the District’s IPM policy, should be directed to the Department of Buildings and Grounds at 717-938-9577.