The New Jersey School Integrated Pest Management Act of 2002 requires schools to implement a school integrated pest management policy. This mandate came into effect based on the belief that the increased rate of childhood illnesses may be directly related to pesticide exposure.
The law requires the Principal of Union Catholic High School to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures to control pests and minimize exposure of children, faculty, and staff to pesticides.
In the best interests of Union Catholic’s students, faculty and staff, and in accordance with the school’s safety and security procedures, Union Catholic High School is taking the necessary steps to ensure that our students, faculty and staff are not directly or indirectly exposed to any pesticides while on school property. Union Catholic has developed and maintains an IPM plan as part of its school policy.
Implementation of IPM procedures will determine when to control pests and whether to use mechanical, physical, cultural, biological or chemical methods. Applying IPM principles prevents unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.
The Principal shall consider the full range of management options, including no action at all. Non-pesticide pest management methods are to be used whenever possible. The choice of using a pesticide shall be based on a review of all other available options and a determination that these options are not effective or not reasonable. When it is determined that a pesticide must be used, low impact pesticides and methods are preferred and shall be considered for use first.
The school IPM plan is a blueprint of how Union Catholic High School will manage pests through IPM methods. The school IPM plan states the school’s goals regarding the management of pests and the use of pesticides. It reflects the school’s site-specific needs. The IPM plan shall provide a description of how each component of the school IPM policy will be implemented at the school. The Principal shall be responsible for the development of the IPM plan for this school.
The Principal shall designate an integrated pest management coordinator, who is responsible for the implementation of the school integrated pest management policy.
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 school IPM policy will be trained in appropriate components of IPM as it pertains to the school environment.
Students, parents/guardians will be provided information on this policy and instructed on how they can contribute to the success of the IPM program.
Records of pesticide use shall be maintained on site to meet the requirements of the state regulatory agency.
Records shall also include, but are not limited to, pest surveillance data sheets and other non-pesticide pest management methods and practices utilized.
The Principal of Union Catholic High School is responsible for timely notification to students’ parents or guardians and the school staff of pesticide treatments pursuant to the School IPM Act.
Re-entry to a pesticide treated area shall conform to the requirements of the School IPM Act.
The IPM coordinator shall ensure that applicators follow state regulations, including licensing requirements and label precautions, and must comply with all components of the School IPM Policy.
Annually, the Principal will report to the School Consultative Board on the effectiveness of the IPM plan and make recommendations for improvement as needed.
The School Consultative Board directs the Principal to develop procedures for the implementation of this policy.
The School Integrated Pest Management Act of 2002
N.J.A.C. Title 7 Chapter 30 Subchapters 1-12
Pesticide Control Act of 1971
Adopted by the Union Catholic Regional High School School Consultative Board
March 12, 2007.