The Vancouver School District (VSD) has quickly become a vocal state leader in pest management without the use of hazardous pesticides. Adopted in March 2002, VSD's policy bans the use of high hazard pesticides (except as a last resort) and requires use of pest prevention. It also provides notification to all parents in a school prior to any pesticide application. VSD also has a very active IPM Committee that includes school staff members, administrators, and community members. The committee has gone so far as to identify ways to include education about IPM and pest prevention in science class curriculum around the district.

Parent and IPM Committee member Elizabeth Koch was instrumental in getting the policy adopted. "Thankfully we have a school board and district staff that prioritize our children's health and have embraced this move to least-toxic pest control," said Koch.

Facilities Maintenance Director George Bryant has been directing the implementation of the district policy, focusing on training the staff in pest prevention and exploring innovative alternatives to pesticides. Bryant is now testing the use of humus and humus tea on some athletic fields. Preliminary results seem to indicate that the applications make the turf healthier and more able to choke out weeds, possibly eliminating the need for fertilizer or herbicide applications. 

"I think that we can't afford not to be using the IPM process," Bryant said. "With the new state law requiring the performance of all pesticide applications by licensed applicators, the cost of pest control is skyrocketing. Most IPM techniques are free or of minimal cost. And besides, IPM is the right thing to do. It strikes a balance between caring for the needs of our students and staff and caring for our environment."