New pest management requirements for schools

The State of Maine has revised its integrated pest management (IPM) and pesticide regulations pertaining to all public and private schools serving any grades kindergarten through 12.  These changes were made to improve communication and provide training and tools for IPM coordinators. There are three important changes.  Continue reading “New pest management requirements for schools”

Free webinar on school mold, moisture control

A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency webinar on mold and moisture control in schools this Wednesday will be headlined by two Mainers.

Alyce Swann, facilities supervisor for RSU 21, and Steven Caulfield, senior vice president for Turner Building Science and Design and president of the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council, will be the featured speakers for the webinar Mold and Moisture Control in Schools: Potential Health Effects and Safe Clean-Up Practices. Jennifer Lemon, of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division, will facilitate the free webinar, which will be held Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Continue reading “Free webinar on school mold, moisture control”

State Education Board has new leadership

AUGUSTA – The Maine State Board of Education has new leadership, having elected Nancy S. Perkins as chair and Peter E. Geiger as vice-chair.  

Continue reading “State Education Board has new leadership”

Free webinar series supports healthy school environments

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is offering a free webinar series to help school communities take sensible, low- or no-cost steps to create healthier environments in their buildings. Each webinar will feature school district personnel from across the country presenting their real-life examples and solutions.

Continue reading “Free webinar series supports healthy school environments”

Free hazardous chemical management training June 3

The federal law on hazardous chemicals and training has changed. Please be aware that all workers must be trained in the new Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Global Harmonization System (GHS) by Dec. 1, 2013.  Continue reading “Free hazardous chemical management training June 3”

State offers facilities, business and maintenance staff training

The Educational Plant Maintenance Association of Maine will deliver the 45th Annual School Facilities Conference this summer. The conference will be held at Colby College June 24-26, 2013. School administrators, facilities directors, business managers, maintenance teams and custodial staff are invited to attend.  Registration is free for public school staff. This is a multi-track conference on leadership, maintenance and custodial care. This conference provides a unique venue for school staff to collaborate and learn how to manage buildings to foster positive learning environments.

Continue reading “State offers facilities, business and maintenance staff training”

Maine schools may apply for school security funds

A grant from the State Homeland Security Grant Program is now open, and school districts and independent schools are eligible to apply. The grant application is due April 12, 2013, at 5 p.m. Funds are available for school emergency preparedness facility security projects.

Continue reading “Maine schools may apply for school security funds”

Results of 2012 Maine School IPM Survey released

Managing pests, including insects, animals, weeds, and plant diseases, is an essential part of operating a healthy and safe learning environment for Maine’s students and staff. Integrated Pest Management is a proven approach that can reduce leading causes of childhood asthma and asthma triggers and reduce overall pest complaints with no long-term increase in costs. All K-12 schools in Maine are required by law to adopt and implement an IPM policy, notify parents, guardians and staff about pesticide use, and appoint an IPM coordinator.

Continue reading “Results of 2012 Maine School IPM Survey released”