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IPM
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Plano Independent School District Plano, TX |
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May 13, 2008 Plano ISD has earned IPM STAR certification after passing a rigorous, 37-point inspection of its policies, programs and facilities. The district is the 27th in the nation to earn this distinction, joining Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD as the first districts in Texas to be certified. IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management, a common-sense approach to solving pest problems. Just like any other living thing, pests need food, water and shelter to survive. IPM focuses on breaking that triangle of resources. Plano does an excellent job, keeping pesticide applications to a minimum in the process. Part of reason for Plano's success is its hiring and retention of key employees. David Lewis, Plano's IPM coordinator who runs the pest management program, has been with the district since 1984, starting as a custodian. His IPM crew includes Mark Evans with 14 years experience, and Leo Largaespada with nine. Experience and knowledge including understanding the district and its facilities are a great help in solving the underlying causes of pest problems, for long-term fixes. Experience is also key to anticipating seasonal problems – so pest management and school staff can take action ahead of time to stop pests in their tracks. “Despite everyone's best intentions, pest problems are bound to crop up even in the most well-managed facilities,” according to Dr. Thomas Green, who performed the evaluation with Ms. Janet Hurley of Texas AgriLife Extension Service. “The difference is that good managers know when and where pest trouble is likely to come from, and can fend off pests with smart solutions.” For example, many pest populations drop in the winter months, and build up again as the weather warms up. By trimming branches and other vegetation away from buildings in later winter or early spring – before ant populations start to grow – can cut ant travel routes onto buildings and discourage them from seeking out food and drink in schools. Plano does a great job of checking out schools for pest-friendly conditions – using maps and diagrams, and digital photos during inspections, which occur at least once each month. “A picture makes it clear exactly what we're talking about when we find a problem,” Lewis reports. “Dirty drains can create fly problems. Gaps under exterior doors let mice and insects in. Clutter makes it hard to clean or inspect. Sending a digital picture to the staff person who can fix the situation makes a much stronger case than a written note.” IPM STAR Certification is presented by the IPM Institute of North America in partnership with the US Environmental Protection Agency Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program. The program has been introduced to Texas schools with the support and assistance of the Southwest Technical Resource Center and Texas AgriLife Extension Service. - Prepared as part of the IPM STAR Certification process by the IPM Institute of North America for posting on its website with permission from Plano
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