2022 training dates set for school integrated pest management coordinators

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has announced the 2022 schedule for integrated pest management, IPM, school coordinator training across Texas. Both one and two-day course options are offered.

The first one-day school IPM coordinator training is Jan. 27 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Lubbock. This course is for new and veteran school IPM coordinators who need the six-hour class to qualify as their institution’s responsible IPM coordinator.

The cost in $135 per person with advance registration. The fee includes training materials and lunch. Register in advance at https://tx.ag/LubbockIPMJan. Credit cards, checks and purchase orders are accepted.

The training is designed for IPM coordinators, grounds managers, pest management professionals and school administrators but is open to anyone. All class participants will receive a notebook with necessary forms and paperwork regarding school IPM program implementation.

“This training helps new and established IPM coordinators maintain their program but also ensure they are ready for a Texas Department of Agriculture inspection,” said Janet Hurley, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management program specialist, Dallas. “As per law and rule, each school district has to have a trained IPM coordinator. At the same time, TDA is required to inspect schools to ensure they are complying with the rules. Our staff, including the other urban IPM specialists, are well-versed in what schools need to do to stay in compliance.”

Hurley will be instructing the one-day trainings and she and Don Renchie, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension pesticide safety program coordinator, Bryan-College Station, will teach at the two-day trainings. Hurley said regional experts will also be invited to speak.

Continuing education units available

Continuing education units are offered for individuals who hold a TDA  structural pest control license. The one-day course offers five total units for these license holders — two general laws and regulations, one general IPM, one general safety and one pest.

Participants with a TDA pesticide applicator license can receive three continuing education units — one in laws and regulations, one integrated pest management and one general for the one-day course. The type and quantity of CEUs for the two-day trainings are still pending.

One-day IPM coordinator training

In addition to the Lubbock event, another one-day training will be held March 10 for the East Texas area. Registration and additional information for this event can be found at the Region 8 School Education Center website or by calling 903-572-8551.

“This class is also open to anyone wanting to learn more about integrated pest management and the laws and rules pertaining to pesticide licensing, as well as those wanting a better understanding of pesticide classes and what you can use in and around school property, plus information on cockroaches,” Hurley said.

Two-day IPM coordinator training

The two-day classes run from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. each day with an hour lunch break. The prepaid cost is $210 for both days, $135 for a single day. The cost at the door is $240 or $155, respectively. The 2022 schedule, regions and locations for two-day workshops are as follows:

• March 30-31, Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 17360 Coit Road, Water Education Building, Dallas.
• May 11-12, San Antonio area, San Antonio Independent School District Central Office, 514 W. Quincy St., San Antonio.
• Sept. 14-15, Houston area, AgriLife Extension office in Fort Bend County, 4332 Highway 36 S., Rosenberg.
• Oct. 12-13, Central Texas area, Round Rock ISD: Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex, 10211 W. Parmer Lane, Austin.

Day One of the two-day trainings is required new coordinator training. The all-day course meets the requirements that TDA requires for all new IPM coordinators.

For IPM coordinators who have been in their positions for more than three years, the course offers six hours of CEU credit to maintain IPM coordinator certification. For pest management professionals and ground personnel, this course offers a good foundation on IPM, the laws and rules associated with pesticide licensing, school IPM and pesticide safety.

“’Once is never enough’ is the most common statement made by veteran IPM coordinators,” Hurley said. “The first time they attend one of these classes, it’s hard for them to process all the steps needed to have an organized sustainable program. I am told that it takes up to three times to fully understand their role as the IPM coordinator. It’s not just about eliminating pests; it has a lot to do with people management.” 

Day Two offers advanced coordinator training for both experienced and new school IPM coordinators. This second day is ideal for those school IPM coordinators and pest management professionals wanting to understand specifics about insect pests and rule interpretation.

For 2022, participants will learn more about pesticide safety as it pertains to labels and safety data sheets, as well as what is required when training unlicensed personnel, Hurley said.

“IPM inspections are the backbone of every pest management program, and this class will have a hands-on section where participants will be taught how to inspect and where to inspect,” she said. “Ants and mosquitoes are some of that hardest insect pests to prevent around school campuses, and our plans are to have the local entomologist in each area to cover these pests.

“Finally, weed management is becoming more challenging and participants will learn about the most common products being used on the market, as well as what they need to know to use them on school property.”

To register for courses, visit the conference services website at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ and search by keywords School IPM or call 979-845-2604. For more information on school IPM, necessary forms or other pest management information, visit the School IPM website.