The nationally recognized IPM program was developed in 1995, and implemented by, a partnership including MCCSC, Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and Purdue University's Cooperative Extension - Entomology Department. This program recently received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Pollution Prevention, and is partially funded by the Pesticide Stewardship Program.

The current IPM program is grounded in an education approach, insect identification, population monitoring, and knowledge of the biology of insects. They are determined to be either "pests" or "beneficial" organisms, and treated accordingly. This then allows for the most effective use and integration of pest management strategies (cultural, mechanical, biological, biorational, genetic, chemical, etc.).

Thus far, the program has been highly successful, with approximately a 35% reduction in pest management costs, and approximately a 90% reduction in pesticide applications. The risk-laden practices of aerosol and liquid treatments have been eliminated, resulting in a significant decrease in exposure of pesticides to staff, students, and the environment.

Currently, the partnership implementing the MCCSC program consists of a local government entity (the school corporation itself), a school of environmental management, and an entomology department within a land-grant university. The combination of these active parties has had a synergistic effect on program development and implementation. The program has resulted in the successful use of not only the IPM concept, but also the incorporation of organizational management, policy development, and strategic communication.

 Dr. Marc Lame, IU SPEA

 Dr. Tim Gibb, Purdue

 John Carter and Jerry Jochim, MCCSC

 Dr. Robert Corrigan, RMC Pest Management Consulting

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