The Model School Program’s goal is to reduce pest problems, flooding and erosion while also reducing the use of toxic chemicals in schools. Implementation of the program locally is based on the success of the Marin and Madera County Model School IPM Programs and the Waste Free Schools Program..

Ecology Action works with Monterey Bay Area schools in holistically adopting IPM as their pest management framework. Activities include:

Region-wide Training and Technical Assistance
Ecology Action staff assists school districts with Healthy Schools Act (HSA) compliance and facilitates adoption of IPM policies. All day, hands on trainings for maintenance directors, IPM coordinators, and their grounds and custodial staff are held once a year with presentations on structural and landscape pests. Seminars are also held twice a year, targeted at administrative staff on laws and regulations regarding worker safety, surface and ground water protection, and other issues.

If you are interested in receiving notices of the trainings and seminars, please email ksevco@ecoact.org or visit our event calendar.

Implementing IPM Programs at Six Schools
Ecology Action staff is also working in-depth with six schools in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties to implement Model School programs and provide them information and consulting about IPM and stormwater practices. The six schools for the 07/08 school year are Boony Doon Elementary, Carmel Middle, Chualar Elementary, Gateway, Happy Valley Elementary and Pajaro Valley High schools.

A detailed water quality and IPM assessment is being performed at each site. A pollution prevention team created at each site will then choose one project or best management practices to implement during the 07/08 school year.