SAMPLE TURF PESTICIDE POLICY

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School District Policy Regarding the Use of
Pesticides on School Grounds

Be it resolved that the Board of Education, recognizing the importance of the safety and health of the district’s students, teachers and staff, does hereby adopt the following policy regarding the use of pesticides on school grounds within the district.

Background and Intent

Exposure to pesticides commonly used in lawn care products has been associated with an increased risk of asthma, certain types of cancer and neurological and developmental problems; fetal exposures to pesticides have been associated with increased risks of birth defects. 

The Board believes it is not necessary to jeopardize the health and safety of our students, teachers and staff, or to pollute our environment, when many alternative natural turf maintenance programs and products are available.

Therefore the intent of this policy is to reduce exposure to these chemicals and reduce environmental pollution by stipulating the procurement of non-toxic products and adoption and deployment of natural turf maintenance policies which ensure the highest levels of safety, efficacy and economy.

Implementation

1. The Director of Facilities, in cooperation with the Director of Athletics, the Superintendent of Schools, and such other independent turf experts as may be required, shall conduct an evaluation of all playing fields in the district, and develop a comprehensive plan for maintaining school properties without pesticides. 

2. This plan shall be based on the scientific principles of natural turf maintenance (as outlined in the “Guide to Natural Lawn Care” attached hereto).

3. Once the plan is developed, the District shall undertake to communicate the contents of the policy and the reasons for its adoption to all teachers, coaches, grounds personnel, parents and others within the community. 

Exceptions:

This policy shall prohibit the use of pesticides on school grounds except in the case of a public health emergency as determined by the Superintendent of Schools.

Effective Date and Notice:

This policy shall take effect on January 1, 200_.  The district shall undertake to inform all parents, teachers and staff of the contents of this policy and the reasons for its adoption.

The district shall inform all vendors and suppliers of the policy, and it shall be referenced in all new contracts and service agreements. 

Existing stocks of non-complying products shall be disposed of as directed by the Director of Facilities.

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This document is part of the ChildSafe School Program developed by Grassroots Environmental Education. © 2009. Permission to copy this document for educational and advocacy purposes granted.