PEST MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOL FACILITIES AND ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

AOS 98 the schools in the association, recognizes that structural and landscape pests can pose problems for people and AOS 98’s member schools’ property, but that use of some pesticides may also pose health and safety risks to people, property and the environment. It is therefore the policy of AOS 98 and the member schools, to incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and procedures for the control of structural and landscape pests.

For the purpose of this policy, “pests” are populations of living organisms (animals, plants or microorganisms) that interfere with use of school facilities and grounds.

“Pesticide” is defined as any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pests and any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant.

The objective of AOS 98 and the member schools’ IPM program is to provide effective pest control while minimizing pesticide use. The goals of the IPM program include managing pests to reduce any potential hazards to human health; preventing loss or damage to school structures or property; preventing pests from spreading beyond the site of infestation to other school property; and enhancing the quality of life for learners, staff and others.

These goals shall be addressed by the establishment of a Pest Management Plan. The Superintendent’s 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 shall appoint an IPM Coordinator for AOS 98 schools and facilities. The IPM Coordinator shall be the primary contact for pest control matters and shall be responsible for overseeing the implementation of 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 learners;

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

3. Recording and ensuring that maintenance and sanitation recommendations are carried out where feasible;

4. Ensuring that any pesticide use is done according to AOS 98’s and the member school’s Pest Management Plan;

5. Evaluating the district’s progress in implementing the IPM plan;

6. Coordinating notification of parents and staff of pesticide applications according to AOS 98’s and member schools’ notification procedure;

7. Recording all pesticides used by either a professional applicator or school staff as a means to track compliance with AOS 98’s and the member school’s IPM policy.

B. Identification of Specific Pest Thresholds. Routine inspection and accurate identification of pests are needed to recognize potential problems and determine when action should be taken. An “action threshold” should be determined by the IPM Coordinator, reflecting the pest control objective for each site. As pest management objectives shall differ from site to site (e.g. maintaining healthy turf and specific playing surfaces on athletic fields, carpenter ant control in buildings, maintenance of ornamental plants), differences should be considered before setting an action threshold.

C. Pesticide Applicators. Any person who applies pesticides in school buildings or on school grounds must possess a Maine pesticide applicators license unless exempted by law or regulations. All pesticide use must be approved by AOS 98’s and the memb IPM Coordinator. Applicators must follow state regulations and label precautions and must comply with the IPM policy and pest management plan.

D. Selection, Use, and Storage of Pesticides. Pesticides should be used only when needed. Non-chemical pest management methods shall be implemented whenever possible to provide the desired control. The choice of using a pesticide shall be based on a review of 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 effective pesticide should be selected. Decisions concerning the particular pesticide to be used and the timing of pesticide application should take into consideration the use of the buildings or grounds to be treated. Pesticide purchases should be limited to the amount expected to be used for a specific application. Pesticides should not be stored on the District’s premises, but should storage be unavoidable, pesticides shall be stored and disposed of in accordance with label directions and state and federal regulations. Pesticides must be stored in an appropriate, secured location not accessible to learners or unauthorized personnel.

E. Notification of Learners, Staff, and Parents/Guardians of Use of Pesticides. A notice shall be provided to staff, learners, and parents at the beginning of the school year briefly explaining the School District’s use policy and indicating that pesticides may be used both indoors and outdoors, as needed. Notices of pesticide applications not exempted by the regulations shall be consistent with the latest regulations in effect. When required by regulations, the school shall notify staff and learners.

F. Recordkeeping In order to keep track of pesticide use and locate problem areas in buildings and on school grounds, records of pesticide use shall be maintained at each school site in accordance with the regulations. Records should be completed on the day the pesticide is applied. Pest surveillance records should be maintained to verify the need for pesticide treatments.

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 403-A

Cross Reference: EBAA - Chemical Hazards

NOTE: This is a required policy.

Adopted: 1/14/2019