Parents and teachers press district over rodent problems; facilities cite IPM plan and contract limits

Public commenters and committee members told the school committee that recurring rodent sightings are disrupting classrooms and that the current pest‑control approach is inadequate.

Erin Gendron, a parent and taxpayer, urged the district to address root causes before spending more on pesticides, saying the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan requires restricting food in classrooms, sealing building openings and providing annual training for principals, teachers and custodians. “We cannot poison our way out of this,” Gendron said, and asked whether grab‑and‑go breakfasts and classroom refrigerators contribute to the problem.

Facilities director Mr. Underwood said the current vendor treats each school twice a month under the contract and that the vendor generally performs required checks and logs. Underwood and others acknowledged the district needs more rigorous protocols: plans include filling foundation cracks and door gaps, removing refrigerators and toaster ovens from classrooms when possible, providing sealed plastic bins for food service, and ensuring custodians follow up on reported pest sightings. Staff also said construction and nearby site work have exacerbated rodent activity across the city.

Committee members pressed procurement and facilities to strengthen bid specifications for the next contract cycle, ensure adequate vendor staffing and incorporate facility repairs (DPW cooperation) as part of a long‑term solution. The committee asked staff to return with a plan that ties IPM enforcement, contract requirements and building repairs together before the next contract renewal.