Policy 3524.1

Business/Non-Instructional Operations

Hazardous Material in Schools

Pest Management /Pesticide Application

The Board of Education believes that structural and landscape pests can pose significant hazards to people, property and the environment.  Pests are living organisms such as plants, animals or microorganisms that interfere with human uses for the school site. Strategies for managing pest populations will be influenced by the pest species and the degree to which that population poses a threat to people, property or the environment.  Further, the Board also believes that pesticides can also pose hazards to people, property and the environment.  The intent of this policy is to ensure the health and safety of students, teachers, staff and all others using district buildings and grounds.

The goal of this pest management program is to manage pests in order to:
The school district shall incorporate Integrated Pest Management procedures (IPM) to manage structural and landscape pests and the toxic chemicals for their control in order to alleviate pest problems with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment.  In addition, staff, students and the public shall be educated, at least annually, about potential school pest problems and the IPM policies and procedures to be used to achieve the desired pest management objectives.  Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the coordinated use of pest and environmental information with available pest control methods to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means with the least possible hazard. 

IPM procedures will determine when to control pests and whether to use mechanical, physical, chemical, cultural or biological means.  Chemical controls shall be used as a last resort.  The Board establishes that the school district shall use pesticides only after consideration of the full range of alternatives, including no action, based upon an analysis of environmental effects, safety, effectiveness and costs.  

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall be responsible to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures and to coordinate communications with members of the staff who are responsible for pest control, such as maintenance personnel and custodians, and hired contractors when utilized by the district to control a pest problem.  The Maintenance Supervisor/Head Custodian shall be designated as the IPM supervisor and shall direct and supervise all IPM procedures to be carried out by assigned maintenance and/or custodial staff.

All district employees who use chemicals to control a pest problem must be trained and shall follow all precautions and application regulations.  Effective July 1, 2000, the District will only employ certified pesticide applicators for any necessary and non-emergency pesticide use in school building or on school grounds.  Contractors hired to do this work shall give evidence of appropriate training and certification in the proper use of pesticides.  Pest control contractors shall be utilized, when deemed necessary, to inspect for conditions conducive to pest problems and to develop appropriate prevention measures.  Pest control contractors will be expected to write recommendations for structural improvements or repairs and housekeeping and sanitation measures required to reduce or prevent recurrence of pest problems.

Someone other than a certified pesticide applicator may apply a pesticide in an emergency to eliminate an immediate human health threat when (1) it is impractical to obtain the services of a certified pesticide applicator and (2) a restricted use pesticide is not used.

Whenever it is deemed necessary to use a chemical substance, that school must provide notification to all parents and staff who have registered for advanced notification in conformity with state statutes.  Parents/guardians and staff requesting advanced notification must be notified on the day of such use by any method practicable.  Notices shall also be posted in designated areas at school at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the application.

At the beginning of each school year and at the time a student is registered, parents/guardians shall be informed of the District’s pest management policy.  Those parents/guardians and staff who register a request shall be notified prior to every pesticide application.

Information regarding pesticides used and areas treated shall be maintained for a period of five years at the school site and available to the public and staff upon request.  The district shall establish and maintain accurate records of all chemical use and their location.  In addition, records of all pest control actions including information on indicators of pest activity that can verify the need for action.

Pesticide applications shall be limited to non-school hours and when activities are not taking place.

Beginning January 1, 2006 the application of lawn care pesticides on the grounds of any schools with students in grade eight or lower must be according to an integrated pest management plan (IPM).  Such application is prohibited starting July 1, 2010 except in emergencies.  An emergency application may be made to eliminate a human health threat in any school with students through grade eight as determined by the Superintendent of Schools.

Legal Reference:      Connecticut General Statutes
Policy adopted:    July 21, 2016    
NEWTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Newtown, Connecticut