What does PA Act 35 of 2002 require for school districts and vocational-technical schools?

Pennsylvania Act 35 of 2002 mandates that school districts and vocational-technical schools adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. IPM is a sustainable approach that combines different management strategies and practices to reduce pest populations while minimizing risks to human health and the environment. By encouraging the use of IPM, the Act aims to establish effective pest control measures that focus on prevention, monitoring, and control methods that are safe for students and school properties.

The Act recognizes that while pest management is necessary, it can be conducted in a way that reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, protects the health of students and staff, and considers the educational environment. This approach is in direct alignment with the growing emphasis on safety and sustainability in school environments.

The other options do not accurately represent the requirements set forth by the Act. For instance, while organic gardening methods and total prohibition of pesticide use are valid concepts within pest management discussions, they are not stipulated by Act 35. Additionally, while notifying parents about pesticide applications is an important practice for transparency and safety, it is not the primary requirement outlined in the Act compared to the emphasis on utilizing IPM.