Implementation of IPM in Public Schools in Missouri: Developing a Successful Model for State wide Adoption by Schools, State Lead Agencies, and the Pest Management Industry

Executive Summary

Objectives

To reduce the risks of pests and pesticides to School Communities in Missouri by demonstrating a successful model for the state-wide implementation of School IPM -The over reaching goal of this demonstration is to reduce risks to school communities by establishing a successful and transferable Model for pesticide reduction programs. The Monroe IPM Model will be extended to a school community in Missouri currently not implementing IPM in their schools. Using the Monroe IPM Model as currently demonstrated in five other US EPA Regions, a pilot IPM program will be developed in a school district and partnerships will be forged among the school community and various change agents. An IPM support team will provide (in the pilot schools) education through training, demonstrating technological and program planning innovations, developing and disseminating outreach materials, conducting audits of pesticide use, and by measuring tangible progress for the mitigation of risk to the school community.

Program Outputs

Adapt existing successful school IPM programs for use in Missouri from US EPA Regions 4,5,8,9 and 10 to maximize OPP pesticide reduction efforts while decreasing costly "re-invention" of school IPM programs
demonstrate the verifiable use IPM in school communities in Missouri
develop an award and state recognition program, evaluate use of IPM STAR® Certification
establish upgrade training and certification of existing IPM Workgroup and other change agents with the state and US EPA Region 7

Project Outcomes and Outputs

The successful extension of the Monroe IPM Model will initiate a proven pesticide reduction program to two fundamental audiences- the school community and to change agents. It will:

demonstrate technological and program planning innovations,
develop and disseminate outreach materials
conduct audits of pesticide use, cost and exposure outlining tangible progress for the mitigation of risk to the school community
be transferable to other school communities
reduce pesticide applications by at least 50% for those schools associated with this model program (Based on previously conducted programs in seven states and three Native American Reservations conducted in five US EPA Regions)

Criteria to be used to measure success

Direct measurements

measure the cooperation of the model school district (three pilot schools) through compliance with the MOU (access of pesticide records, evaluation of existing contractor services in the pilot facilities, providing training opportunities to appropriate staff, etc.)
statistical comparison with pre-program pests and pesticide use

Surrogate measurements

training attendance, assistance provided, development of PCO IPM guidelines and contracts, and implementation of IPM school policies