Notice to all students, parents/guardians and employees of the San Rafael City School District:

Education Code sections 17608 et seq. requires, among other things, that school districts notify parents and staff about the use of pesticides at school. The purpose is to reduce exposure to toxic pesticides through information and application of an integrated pest management system at schools. Towards this end, and pursuant to the requirements of this legislation, please be advised of the following:                       

It is the policy of the San Rafael City Schools that the least toxic pest management practices are the preferred method of managing pests and that the District, in order to reduce children’s exposure to toxic pesticides, shall take the necessary steps pursuant to Food and Agriculture Code section 13180 to facilitate the adoption of the least toxic pest management practices at all sites. 

• The District’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program begins with education, habitat management, alteration of maintenance activities, physical, geological, and then chemical controls. 
• Regular monitoring may involve visual observation, use of tracking powders, baiting and trapping; in any case, this method will be used continuously and regularly. 
• When using chemical control for pest management, the District will use a licensed pest control company to administer pesticides. 
• A sign will be posted 72 hours before treatment is administered except in a case where an emergency application may be necessary. 
• At the Transitional Kindergarten and kindergarten sites, the sign will be posted 96 hours prior to treatment. 

 A list of pesticides/herbicides that may be used to treat the interior or exterior of the building, fence lines and dirt areas for ants, cockroaches, rodents, geese, termites and weeds is provided for your information. Parents or guardians may request prior notification of individual pesticide applications at your child’s school site. If you would like to be notified every time we apply a pesticide/herbicide or if you have any questions, please contact our Maintenance and Operations Department at 415-485-2445. Once we have your request on file, we will mail you a notification prior to pesticide application use.

You can find more information regarding these pesticides and pesticide use reduction at the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s Website.

You may view a copy of the district’s integrated pest management plan in the principal’s office for each school site, or click here to view and download.