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Sparta school board weighs cutting spring pesticide applications after parent health concerns
Summary
Parents and staff debated reducing the district's lawn-care pesticide schedule and alternatives after a parent cited childhood leukemia cases and staff described the current product, acreage treated and costs. No formal policy change was approved; staff said they would explore a three-application option and share more information.
Members of the Sparta Area School District board heard pleas from parents and a staff presentation about the district's lawn-care program and whether it should reduce or alter use of pesticides and herbicides on school grounds.
"Please stop spraying our playgrounds," parent Missy Brooks told the board, describing herself as "a concerned parent, a member of this community, and a cancer mom" and saying her child Emmett is one of six childhood leukemia cases in Sparta. "Six cases of leukemia alone should be enough to make us stop and say, what can we change and what risks can we reduce?" she said.
Board members and administrators discussed the district's current contract and possible next steps. A district presenter said the program treats roughly 90 acres districtwide, focusing on athletic fields and areas immediately around…
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