The Wells-Ogunquit C.S.D. uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to the control of insects, rodents, microorganisms, weeds, and other pests in school buildings and on school grounds. IPM combines a variety of methods for managing pests including, monitoring, improved sanitation and food storage practices, pest exclusion and removal, biological control, and pesticides. The objective of the IPM program is to provide effective pest control while minimizing pesticide use.

Pesticides

Non-chemical pest management methods will be implemented whenever possible. However, sometimes pesticide use may be necessary to control a pest problem. When that happens, the school will use the least hazardous effective pesticide feasible.

Notification

When required by law, parents/guardians and school staff will be notified at least five days in advance of specific pesticide applications. When required by law, pesticide application notices will be posted in schools and on school grounds.

Notification need not be given for pesticide applications recognized by law or regulations that pose little or no risk of exposure to students or staff.

A copy of the Wells-Ogunquit C.S.D.’s IPM/Pest Management policy is available for review in the school office. The school also keeps records of prior pesticide applications and the pesticides used. You may review these records, a copy of the policy and Maine’s “Pesticides in Schools” regulation (Chapter 27 of the Department of Agriculture Board of Pesticides Control “Standards for Pesticide Applications and Public Notification in Schools”) by contacting our IPM Coordinator.

Policy ECB-E1

Adopted by the Wells-Ogunquit CSD School Committee on 12/03/03