EPS: JFK Handbook and Welcome 2022-23 | Page 32

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 :

• Reduce any potential human health hazard and / or to protect against a significant threat to public safety ;

• Prevent loss or damage to school structures or property ;

• Prevent pests from spreading in the community or to plant and animal populations beyond the site ;

• Enhance the quality of life and to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for students , staff and others . 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 , 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 . The District will only employ certified pesticide applicators for any necessary and non-emergency pesticide use in school building or on

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