Demonstration Schools

Westville
The Westville School District began collaborating with the University of Illinois’ School IPM Program in May 2009. The program includes the high school, the middle school and the grade school. Seth Miller, Director of Operations with the Westville School District, serves as the IPM coordinator. Pesticide applications have been reduced by 87% and pest complaints decreased through the use of exclusion, harborage elimination and increased sanitation in pest vulnerable areas. The Westville School District was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency in May 2010 for leadership in providing a safe learning environment by reducing risks from pests and pesticides through their implementation of integrated pest management. Jim Owens, Superintendent of the Westville School District, and Seth Miller were recognized as IPM Innovators by the Environmental Protection Agency during the 7th International IPM Symposium.

VASE (Vermillion Area Special Education)
The Vermilion Area Special Education facility began collaborating with the University of Illinois’ School IPM Program in November 2010. The facility was originally a vocational education site so it has a number of “garage” type doors that allow pests to enter. Through exclusion and sanitation the pest issues associated with the facility had been drastically reduced with only two sightings since initiation of the program at VASE. Barb Moore, Director of VASE, has coordinated the installation of new doors and tuck pointing of the exterior to eliminate areas of harborage for ants.