The North Merrick Board of Education conducted a first reading at January's meeting regarding a new policy to address ongoing cockroach issues at Old Mill Road Elementary School.
"The North Merrick Board of Education recognizes that nothing is of more importance than the safety of the students, staff and residents who utilize the facilities and grounds of the school district" the policy says. "To this end, the North Merrick Board of Education authorizes the prudent and limited use of pesticides and insecticides necessary to ensure environmentally safe buildings and grounds."
Like Merrick Patch on Facebook by clicking here.
The district will use the following precautions:
- Use the least toxic pesticide available.
- Post notices before pesticides are applied.
- Post warning signs indicating that pesticides will be applies around specific areas.
- Use only New York State certified pesticide applicators.
- Maintain detailed records about pesticides which have been applied.
- Prohibit the use of pesticides for aesthetic purposes, such as lawn care that contain known or probable carcinogens.
- Follow the district's Project Save Hazardous Materials Emergency Response in the event of a spill or an over-application of pesticides or insecticides.
As part of the policy, residents of the community would be notified annually in writing. Application will only be considered when:
- Staff has notified building administrators that they feel a problem exists.
- Facilities staff have reviewed the problem area and determined remedial action necessary. In many cases, eliminating the source and entrance route may eliminate the problem.
- If the need for a New York State certified applicator exists, he/she will review the area and recommend appropriate action to the district.
- These recommendations will be reviewed by the director of facilities and school nurse and shall only take place when they agree no other alternatives are available.
- Applications take place during off hours, preferably on Friday evening.
- In the even of unusual or emergency conditions, it may be necessary to tae immediate corrective action to ensure the safety of building occupants.
"This program is intended to be reviewed and updated as necessary on an annual basis," the policy added.
What do you think of this new policy? Tell us in the comments section below.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here
