Committee reviews updates to integrated pest management policy; contractor Ecolab named as primary provider

The William Penn School District policy committee on June 4 reviewed proposed updates to Policy 716 (integrated pest management), emphasizing environmental-safety practices, notification procedures, and nonchemical prevention methods.

Mr. Deans, who presented the item, said the revisions reflect recommendations from the board that oversees policy and include clearer procedures to meet new state requirements. "Some of the items that were specific around prevention methods around non chemical controls and pesticide applications ... inform individuals of those respective uses, from notification and documentation perspective," he said.

Deans told the committee that integrated pest management within the district is part of the facilities and maintenance contract and that the district contracts that work to a company "called Ecolab." He said Aramark provides related training and the district's environmental control engineer collaborates on the work.

When committee member Mr. Tong asked whether the changes would add cost, Deans said they were not expected to increase district expense under the existing contract. "If there was an instance in which we had to use a very specific, specific pesticide, that would be at the expense of our contractor who is responsible for providing the service and not our expense," he said.

The revisions also add guidance on notification and signage, including how long signs should remain posted after pesticide application. The presentation did not specify exact posting durations in the meeting; committee members were told the updated policy language includes such details.

This item was presented as a first reading and will return to the committee for further consideration; no vote was taken at the June 4 meeting.