I. Summary of Policy

This policy establishes guidelines for the implementation of an integrated pest

management program designed to control and alleviate pest problems with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment in accordance with Section 772.1 of the School Code (24 P.S.)

II. Definitions

“Integrated pest management plan” (or “IPM Plan") means a plan that establishes a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes health, economic and environmental risks.
“Pest” means an insect, rodent, nematode, fungus, weed, virus, bacteria, microorganism (except those on or living in humans or living animals), or other plant or animal life declared to be a pest under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.3.
“Pesticide” means a substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating a pest, or for use as a plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant.

III. Statement of Intermediate Unit Policy

Delegation of Responsibility

The Board shall approve and adopt an Integrated Pest Management Plan (“IPM Plan”) for all Susquehanna Township School District buildings and grounds. The IPM Plan shall comply with Section 772.1 of the School Code, as well as all policies and regulations promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

The superintendent or designee shall develop appropriate guidelines and policies to

implement the school district’s IPM Plan.

The superintendent shall designate an IPM coordinator who will: (i) oversee implementation of the school district’s IPM Plan; (ii) coordinate communication between the school district.

Approved by the School Board – November 25, 2002 and approved IPM contractors; and (iii) develop appropriate materials to educate staff, students and members of the public about IPM policies and procedures.

IPM Plan Guidelines

The school district’s IPM Plan may include education, exclusion, sanitation, maintenance, biological and mechanical controls and site-appropriate pesticides.

IPM decisions shall include the following steps:

1. Identify pest species

2. Estimate pest population and compare to established action thresholds

3. Select appropriate management tactics based on site-specific information

4. Evaluate success of pest management

5. Maintain appropriate records

IPM Notice

The IPM coordinator shall notify parents and guardians of the procedures for requesting

notification of planned and emergency applications of pesticides in school buildings and on school grounds.

When pesticide applications are planed in school buildings or on school grounds, the IPM coordinator shall provide appropriate notification as required by law, including the following forms of notice:

1. Post a pest control sign in an appropriate common area at least seventy-two (72) hours before any planned pesticide application and for at least two (2) days following any planned pesticide application.

2. Provide a pest control information sheet to all individuals who work in a school

building at least seventy-two (72) hours before any planned pesticide application.

3. Provide notice (including information about the pesticide applicator, the date of the planned pesticide application, and the pesticide to be used) to parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school, using normal school communication procedures, at least seventy-two (72) hours before any planned pesticide application, or provide such notice to parents or guardians who request notification of individual pesticide applications according to the procedures developed by the IPM coordinator.

Emergency Pesticide Applications

If pests pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of students or staff, the IPM

coordinator or superintendent may authorize an emergency pesticide application. When an emergency pesticide application is authorized, the IPM coordinator shall contact parents or guardians who have requested notification of individual pesticide applications by telephone, as soon as practical.

IPM Records

The IPM coordinator shall maintain appropriate records of all pesticide applications and

other pest control measures. IPM records shall be maintained for a period of at least three (3) years and shall be available for inspection by members of the public in accordance with applicable policy.

IV. Options, Comments and Additional Considerations

Notification to parents will be accomplished in two ways. The school district shall notify all parents of the Pest Management Policy, using the school district newsletter. In addition, notice will be provided to those parents who request notification according to procedures established by the IPM coordinator. The school district may provide both a general notification about upcoming pesticide applications and specific notice to parents who request such notice.