Integrated Pest Management

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RECOMMENDS

That the Board amend Board Report 09-1028-PO3 Integrated Pest Management as part of the Board’s biennial policy review process. This policy was posted for public comment from January 26, 2024 until February 26, 2024.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to adopt Integrated Pest Management (“IPM”) procedures for all Chicago Public Schools (“CPS”) buildings and facilities in accordance with P.A. 96-0424, the Illinois Structural Pest Control Act (225 ILCS 235) and the State of Illinois Guidelines and Specifications for the Structural Pest Control Act (“State Guidelines”). Through this policy, the Board intends to control pests on the interiors and exteriors of school buildings and district facilities and also minimize the exposure of students, staff and visitors to pesticides.

POLICY TEXT

• Introduction: IPM is a method of pest control that emphasizes correcting the root causes of pest problems and the use of non-toxic and least-hazardous methods to address existing pest problems. Use of the term ‘pests’ in this policy refers to any unwanted insects, birds, rodents and other animals. Conventional pest control relies primarily on pesticides to control pests. IPM focuses on preventing pest problems and prioritizing the use of control measures other than pesticides. CPS is committed to implementing pest

• IPM Procedures: The Department of Facilities, in collaboration with the Office of Student Health and Wellness, establish procedures, measures and controls for CPS school buildings and facilities that promote health and safety and minimize the presence of pests and contaminants that affect health, performance and attendance.

  These measures will ensure IPM is used, wherever and whenever possible, to prevent and control pest problems. Control practices shall predominantly include structural and procedural modifications that establish physical barriers to pests; reducing the food, water and harborage available to them; and routine inspection and monitoring. Chemical controls shall be used only after a determination has been made that all other methods of pest control – exclusion, sanitation, operational and structural modification - are not effective or when regulatory or health agencies have determined that chemical alternatives must be used. Least-hazardous chemical controls shall be given preference over other chemical controls when needed.

  The Department of Facilities shall establish a system for notification of broadcast pesticide use for CPS schools, and no broadcast pesticide applications shall take place without notification of parents and staff in accordance with State Guidelines.

• Implementation: The Department of Facilities implements effective pest control procedures, measures and controls while minimizing pesticide applications and pesticide exposure by:
  1. Providing training and resources to staff on IPM;
  2. Requiring pest control contractors to use IPM;
  3. Limiting pesticide applications; and
  4. Establishing protocols to timely provide notification and information to parents and staff regarding pesticide applications, in writing, in accordance with State Law and, for LEED certified schools, in accordance with LEED for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance guidelines.
• Compliance: The Chief Executive Officer or designee (“CEO”) shall conduct periodic reviews biennially to ensure compliance with the requirements of this policy and also to determine if the CPS IPM program continues to be economically feasible. If the CEO determines the IPM program is not economically feasible, the CEO shall notify the Illinois Department of Public Health in accordance with the Illinois Structural Pest Control Act.