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IPM
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Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, Carrollton TX
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May 13, 2008 Carrollton – Farmers Branch ISD has earned IPM STAR certification after passing a rigorous, 48-point inspection of its policies, programs and facilities. The district is the 26th in the nation to earn this distinction, and the first ever in Texas. Victor Melton, environmental specialist for the district, preaches IPM's role in indoor air quality. “Sanitation, monitoring and mechanical controls – these three steps help your indoor air quality,” Melton reported to an audience of 30 teachers and other staff at a team meeting at one school recently. Melton asked the group, “What would happen if we sprayed all the time for ants?” His answer, “They'd get used to it, in fact, they'd start looking forward to it!” Melton is right. The history of pest control is littered with examples of where insects, plant diseases and weeds have become resistant to, or no longer affected by pesticides that used to work. That's where Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, comes in. By knowing what pests need to survive and thrive, and denying access to those necessities, pest problems can be greatly reduced with an absolute minimum of pesticide use. Melton continues,”What's the difference between a pet and a pest? One you feed and one you don't! So what happens if you leave food in your desk? You get ant and mice pets!” Here's a real life example. This past year, crickets were a problem at the athletic stadium. A traditional approach might have been to spray pesticides to reduce their numbers. Instead, “we investigated and found that crickets were feeding and breeding in the elevator pits,” reports Mr. Danny Roberts. “Keeping those clean really makes a difference.” Roberts has 19 years with the district, including ten as IPM Coordinator, overseeing the day –to-day implementation of the IPM program. “The approach to healthy schools and classrooms at Carrollton – Farmers Branch is unique and one of the best we have seen,” reports Dr. Thomas Green, president of he IPM Institute, who conducted the evaluation. “IPM is fully integrated into the overall effort to create healthy schools. Melton's trainings are voluntary and in high demand. He does a great job of getting everyone on board with cleanliness, clutter control and all the little pieces that add up to a healthy and productive working and learning environment.” Melton's comprehensive approach is backed up by a professional team that inspects schools for pest-friendly conditions on a regular, ongoing basis. On the turf and landscape side, Scott Behner coordinates the IPM approach. One example is mowing Dallas grass before it goes to seed, reducing its spread and minimizing the need for weed killing herbicides. The district is not new to awards and recognition. In 2004, Carrollton-Farmers branch won first place in the statewide IPM Pride awards program, out of over 1000 school districts in Texas. The award came after a carefully documented 65% reduction in pest complaints between 2001 and 2004 – with less pesticide and a cost savings of close to $200,000 during the same time period! “Carrolton-Farmers Branch ISD's approach is a great model for other school systems to follow,” according to Green. “We're looking forward to our revisit in three years to renew the certification, and see what improvements have been made. We don't expect this team will be resting on its laurels.” 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 Carrollton – Farmers Branch ISD.
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