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Model Policy Adopted to Reduce Pests and Pesticides in Schools

Limits to Model Policy?

The model policy creates the dynamic to reduce pesticide use. It does not mandate it. We will have succeeded when the schools proudly announce to parents in their newsletters that the school has no pests and needs no pesticides.

It does not go nearly as far in addressing the issues as many hoped. The burden on schools was kept to a minimum. And the applicators can manage it — although they will admit that the policy will move them from being pesticide applicators to being pest control specialist. This is a critical change in perspective.

So what is missing?

  • Any mention of inert ingredients. EPA does not require that the information be made available - yet!
  • Notice to all parents - not just those who respond to the offer.
  • Mandate to use Integrated Pest Management or even a definition for it.
  • Limits on use where residues may be on the carpet or be on the athletic field to be resolubilized by the morning dew.
  • Testing of staff applying pesticides.
  • Comparison of risks posed by pesticides.

 

Post Publication Note:  On December 14, 1999, the Indiana Pesticide Review Board renamed the model policy.  It is now called "The Indiana Pesticide Review Board Pesticide Control Recommendations in School Districts."

Reduce exposure to both pests and pesticides in schools and give parents, teachers, and staff information they need to take precautions — these are the goals of the model policy adopted by the Indiana Pesticide Review Board on Oct. 19.

The policy was hammered out in extensive discussions among academia, concerned citizens, the Indiana State Chemist, pesticide applicators, and the Purdue Coop Extension Service. IKE’s Tom Neltner helped facilitate the discussions. Special thanks to Bob Avenius, Dick Foxworthy, Ron Hellenthal, Marc Lame, Greg Long, Dave Scott, Rae Schnapp, and Fred Whitford for their constructive work in forging a consensus.

While the Board’s decision does not have direct legal impact, it represents an important milestone for pesticide management. The decision provides a starting point to get universal adoption of the policy in Indiana’s schools. And since the Office of the Indiana State Chemist already has the authority to require training and to limit uses (see requirements below), it provides the driving force for new regulations to address those issues. Only the right-to-know provisions would require legislation.

Promising discussions already have begun with associations that represent school boards, teachers, and superintendents to get their endorsement and support for the policy. All Indiana parents need to be talking to their child’s principals, superintendent, and school board to urge them to adopt the policy. Schools act when parents speak up!

See IKE's broader effort on pesticides for more details.