Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Scope and Application

Kent ISD's integrated pest management (IPM) policy applies to all pest control activities and pesticides used in or around the school buildings, facilities, and grounds. Recipients of this policy include faculty, staff and any employees monitoring or treating pest problems (including contractors who monitor and/or treat pest problems). Each recipient is required to follow this policy.

2022-23 Advisory to All Parents

Purpose

The goal of this policy is to provide a safe and healthy learning environment that is relatively pest free with the least possible use of pesticides. To achieve this goal, it is the responsibility of Kent ISD to develop, implement and maintain an integrated pest management program for the control of pests and minimize pesticide exposure to children, faculty, and staff. This policy is consistent with the State of Michigan’s Act 451, Part 83 that encourages schools to adopt an IPM strategy. Sanitizers, germicides, disinfectants, and antimicrobials are exempt from the IPM/notification requirements. This policy adheres to the principles of IPM and is conducted in accordance with all federal and state laws and regulations, and local ordinances. The underlying principles of this plan are to use the least toxic alternative first and that pesticides should be used as a last resort.

Pests need to be controlled to protect the health and safety of students and staff, maintain a productive learning environment and maintain the integrity of  all school buildings facilities, and grounds. IPM is a pest management system that uses all suitable techniques in a total management system to prevent pests from reaching unacceptable levels, or to reduce existing pest populations to acceptable levels while balancing the risk of the pest with the potential risk of the management technique.

Development of IPM Program

The school IPM program written under this policy will state the school’s goals regarding the management of pests and the use of pesticides. It will reflect the school’s site-specific needs and includes the following elements as required by law:
a. site evaluation, including site description, inspection, and monitoring and the concept of threshold levels;
b. consideration of the relationship between pest biology and pest management methods;
c. consideration of all available pest management methods, including population reduction techniques, such as mechanical, biological, and chemical techniques and pest prevention techniques, such as habitat modification;
d. pest control methods selection, including consideration of the impact on human health, especially for children, and the environment;
e. continue evaluation of the integrated pest management program.

The Director of Facilites or Lead Administrator or designee for this public, charter or non-public school shall be responsible for ensuring that an IPM program is developed and is in compliance with Act 451, Part 83.

IPM Coordinator

The Director of Facilites (or Lead Administrator) shall designate an integrated pest management coordinator, who is responsible for the implementation of the school integrated pest management policy. The IPM Coordinator, in accordance with Act 451, Part 83 , can also be the schools' contact person responsible for maintaining records with the specific information on pest infestation and actual pesticide application, and a copy of the schools' IPM program.

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 schools' IPM policy will be trained in appropriate components of IPM as it pertains to the school environment.

Students and parents/guardians will be provided with 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 Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Board of Education. 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 Director of Facilities (or Lead Administrator) or IPM Coordinator of Kent ISD is responsible for timely pre-notification to students’ parents or guardians and the school staff of pesticide treatments pursuant to the requirements under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 451, Part 83 .

Re-entry

In accordance with the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 451, Part 83, re-entry to an area treated with an aerosol or liquid pesticide may not occur less than four hours after application unless product label requires a longer re-entry period. “Outdoor ornamental and turf applications of liquid spray pesticides shall not be made on school grounds within 100 feet of an occupied classroom during normal school hours or when persons are using the treatment area.”

Pesticide Applicators

The IPM Coordinator shall ensure that pesticide applicators, all district staff, boosters, and volunteers follow state regulations, including licensing requirements, applicator certification or registration, IPM training, and label precautions, and comply with all components of the school IPM policy.

Pesticide Applications

The decision to apply a pesticide shall be made by the Director of Facilities and Operations in consultation with the IPM Coordinator. All general use and ready-to-use pesticide applications shall be performed only by contracted personnel and/or district staff with a minimum license of certified applicator in the appropriate category. No restricted-use pesticides may be used at any time. All applications must comply with the standards and procedures outlined in the EnviroSafe Integrated Pest Management Plan. This plan is on file at the Facilities and Operations Office and in the custodial office at each building.

Evaluation

Annually, for public schools, the Principal (or Lead Administrator) will report to the local school board on the effectiveness of the IPM plan and make recommendations for improvement as needed. For non-public schools and charter schools, the Principal (or Lead Administrator) shall report to their respective governing boards on the effectiveness of the school IPM plan and make recommendations for improvement as needed.

The Director of Facilities or Lead Administrator is responsible to develop guidelines/procedures for the implementation of this policy.