School Integrated Pest Management Plan
Board of Education Policy- School Integrated Pest Management Plan #7422
The district has adopted an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy and has implemented an IPM plan to comply with this law. Integrated pest management is a holistic and preventive approach to managing pests. All schools in New Jersey are required to have an integrated pest management coordinator to oversee all activities related to IPM and pesticide use in the schools. The IPM coordinator for the Freehold Regional High School District is Mr. Pat Lagravenis, 11 Pine Street, Englishtown, NJ and can be contacted at 732-792-7300 ext. 8103.
The IPM coordinators maintain the pesticide product label and the material safety data sheet (MSDS), when one is available, for each pesticide product that may be used on school property. The label and MSDS are available for review by parents/guardians, staff, and students attending the schools. Also the IPM coordinators are available to parents/guardians and staff members for additional information. As part of the school pest management plan, the district may use pesticides to control pests. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) register pesticides in order to determine that the use of a pesticide, in accordance with instructions printed on the label, does not pose an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment. Nevertheless, the EPA and DEP cannot guarantee that registered pesticides do not pose any risk to human health; thus, unnecessary exposure to pesticides should be avoided. The EPA has issued the statement that where possible; persons who are potentially sensitive, such as pregnant women, infants, and children should avoid unnecessary pesticide exposure.
A. 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.
B. Development of IPM Plans
The school IPM plan is a blueprint of the how the Freehold Regional High School District will manage pests through IPM methods. The IPM plan states the district goals regarding the management of pests and the use of pesticides. It reflects site-specific needs. The IPM plan provides a description of how each component of the school IPM policy will be implemented at each school. The Board of Education in collaboration with the school building administrators is responsible for the development of the IPM plan for the schools.
C. IPM Coordinator
The superintendent designates integrated pest management coordinators, who are responsible for the implementation of the school integrated pest management policy.
D. Education/Training
The school community will be educated about potential pest problems and IPM methods used to achieve the pest management objectives. The IPM coordinators, other school staff, and pesticide applicators involved with implementation of the school IPM policy are trained in appropriate components of IPM as it pertains to the school environment. Students and parents/guardians will be provided information on this policy and instructed on how they can contribute to the success of the IPM program.
E. Record keeping
Records of pesticide are maintained on site to meet the requirements of the state regulatory agency and the BOE. Records shall also include, but are not limited to, pest surveillance data sheets and other non-pesticide pest management methods and practices utilized.
F. Notification/Posting
Mr. Pat Lagravenis of the Freehold Regional High 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.
G. Re-entry
Re-entry to a pesticide treated area shall conform to the requirements of the School IPM Act.
H. Pesticide applicators
The IPM coordinators shall ensure that applicators follow state regulations, including licensing requirements and label precautions and must comply with all components of the school IPM policy.
I. Evaluation
Annually, a report to the Board of Education should be made on the effectiveness of the IPM plan and recommendations made for improvement as needed. The Board of Education directs the principals to develop regulations/procedures for the implementation of the IPM policy.