Schools in many US states are now encouraged, if not required, to adopt integrated pest management (IPM) programs aimed at reducing pesticide exposure risks, especially for children. This is a challenge for rural schools where professional expertise for structural, turf and landscape IPM are often scarce or unaffordable. A tri-state program in northern New England was established to provide training and support for schools that use in-house staff for all or most IPM services. Implementers at key pilot demonstration sites are trained via live and televised workshops and written materials. The program is extended to other school districts via ‘Open House’ events. In addition, structural IPM training was provided to health inspectors, education officials, non-profit organizations, cooperative extension personnel, and other interested people who now serve as ‘para experts’ to assist schools in implementing IPM.
Keywords: School IPM, IPM demonstration
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