Integrated Pest Management

Maintaining a healthy and safe environment for our students, staff and community is top priority for the Northshore School District. As part of our commitment to a safe, healthy environment, the School Board has adopted a policy on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to minimize the use of pesticides for such things as insects and weeds.

IPM emphasizes prevention and common sense strategies rather than responding to a pest crisis with pesticides, whenever possible. Through IPM, we focus on non-chemical controls such as good housekeeping in each classroom, the acceptance of weeds in lawns, and students' and volunteers' assistance to remove invasive plants and weeds in the landscape and school gardens. 

Our School Board policy, consistent with State regulations, requires posted notification 48 hours prior to application of a pesticide. In the event that a pesticide is deemed necessary, we will make every effort to apply the pesticide during a weekend or a student break. If students and/or staff will be present in the building within 48 hours of planned pesticide application, a letter will be distributed to all students' families and to staff beforehand. Occasionally, an emergency application is necessary, such as for stinging insects. In that case, posting will occur simultaneously and a letter sent out immediately. 

If you are interested in being a member of the District's IPM Committee, please contact Bruce Skowyra at 425-408-7803, or e-mail bskowyra@nsd.org.

We will notify parents and staff through email whenever there is an application of pesticide to their affiliated district facility or grounds. There are two types of pesticide notifications:

• Emergency Notifications: Pre-notification is not required in the case of emergencies such as stinging pest. Notification will be sent as soon as possible. Families will receive an email with the subject line "Notice: Emergency Pesticide Application."
• Standard Notifications: When there is a planned application, we will provide at least 48 hours notice. Families will receive an email with the subject line "Notice: Pesticide Application." This notice will also be posted at the location.

The Integrated Pest Management Committee is comprised of district staff and community volunteers who provide recommendations to district leadership on how to improve our pest management districtwide. The committee will meet at least quarterly. All upcoming meetings will be posted on the IPM Committee Webpage.