SchoolRisk News |
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Founding
School Risk Groups |
Florida School Boards Insurance Trust Minnesota School Boards Insurance Trust New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal Schools of Ohio Risk Sharing Authority Pennsylvania School Boards Association Insurance Trust
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School Districts |
City of Atlanta, GA City of Chicago, IL Clark County, NV
City of Cleveland, OH
Dekalb County, GA Fairfax County, VA
Francis Howell, MO Fulton County, GA Miami-Dade, FL Rockdale County,GA San Francisco USD, CA
Wake County, NC
Other districts that are direct or associate members now number more than 2,300.
To find out how to join, click here!
SchoolRisk.org
School leaders who are members can search the directory and find districts with similar risk management interests
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for access to top risk management professionals. Reports are compiled, distributed and archived to save time and money.
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Risk management is... a vital business process. |
School Safety and
Cost of Risk in an Uncharted Fiscal Environment
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| Reporters continue to examine educational program cutbacks, staff reductions and efforts to raise money in
creative ways for schools. Many business officers have had to make difficult
choices about risk financing strategies and insurance programs.
Two insightful commentaries about dealing with uncertainty in the current
fiscal environment were published this month in Risk Central, the interactive knowledge center of the Public School Risk
Institute.
Kevin Supple of the Francis Howell School District wrote on June
1 about Managing Risk in the Budget Development Process. He reminds readers about the
challenges facing finance officers as they seek to "evaluate all the risks and
settle on a course of action that makes strategic use of reserves and maintains
a level of programming that can be reasonably supported in the long run." He also suggests that school leaders remember
three basic lessons from the Deepwater Horizon accident in order to navigate safely in
uncharted waters:
- Don't
ignore warning signs
- Exercise
caution
- Listen
to the experts
The spill in the Gulf can also be used as a reminder that an enterprise risk management process is needed to identify the greatest vulnerability of a district.
Bill Clayton of Southern California Schools Risk Management
wrote about Budget Sensitive Risk Management on June 2. His message included these lessons:
- The
reality of good risk management culture goes beyond shopping for better
insurance rates
- Culture
change is Top Down, Time-Consuming, People-Powered and Accountability-Driven. Commitment to all four of these ideas produces permanent change.
School business officials and safety committees can use this
summer to take a fresh look at the practices and traditions that define their
safety culture. Analyzing catastrophic accidents usually reveals some combination of these underlying factors:
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cost cutting flaws
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weak links in critical decision paths
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faulty protection devices
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groupthink under extreme pressure.
Risk management helps districts deal with the economic uncertainty and increase resiliency. Astute business officials can help their districts deepen their thinking about risk and operate safely when resources have been stretched.
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Creating a Roadmap
for Excellence in School Risk Management
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Guided by project manager Catherine Bennett, five
task forces began mobilizing on June 1 to write and edit content for the core
activity elements in a continuous improvement model for school risk management.
This model addresses risk management from a comprehensive perspective. It
represents the first attempt to bring together a large nationwide community of
professionals to set a framework for excellence and a means of process
benchmarking. The five categories in
which the core activity elements are currently arranged in the model are:
Leadership & General Administration; HR Practices; Risk Financing; Incident
Prevention Practice; and Injury Management.
In addition, the current vision of the model includes
nine other categories, arranged into three sections - Support & Recovery,
Risk Improvement, Insights & Analytics.
The first drafts are expected to be available for review by
August 15. A prototype using ideas from several sources was designed to help the project manager and task forces. Producing a complete model is
expected to take 18 months and involve more than 60 volunteers in
14 task forces and a steering group.
Initial funding to launch the project was provided by Munich
Reinsurance. An invitation for
sponsorships has been created and will be extended to any company interested in
advancing the discipline of risk management in schools.
An introductory paper is available from the Institute that
describes the objectives, process and timetable for the project. The introductory paper also includes sample
pages from the prototype and other exhibits.To learn more or to volunteer for this project, please contact the
Executive Director.
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Bears, Elephants and
Parrots Are Just Some of the Possible Communication Creatures for School Risk
Management
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We all know that Smokey the Bear helps prevent forest
fires. Mascots and celebrity creatures
are easier to manage than high profile human spokespersons. A talking horse, a big mouthed mouse or a
happy hippo may be able to help your district get more engaged in prevention of
injuries and losses.
An idea that started in Detroit elementary schools became the foundation
for a communication program in Canada that is now more than 50 years old.
Elmer the Safety Elephant was born in 1947. To see how the
Canadian Safety Council uses Elmer and the history behind this successful
creation, go to http://elmer.ca/about-elmer.php
Denver Public Schools has Pazi the parrot, who says, "Get to School Safely" and "Play Cool at School." The communication program of the risk
management department, led by Stephen Finley, continues to win awards at the
national level. Their new 4-part video series "Getting Safety to School," was chosen as the PRIMA
2010 Top Product. It also received a National School Public Relations Association Award of
Excellence.
Simplicity and ubiquity are two secrets of successful
communication campaigns with promotional creatures. Allowing students to help
pick a name was a simple way for Denver schools to get started. AFLAC's duck
and GEICO's gecko don't even have names. However, just like these high profile TV stars, Pazi seems to be
everywhere. You can see Pazi and learn more about Denver's PS risk management at http://riskmanagement.dpsk12.org.
Editors note: Are
you having difficulty remembering the character Loudmouthed Mouse? YouTube has plenty of video clips from vintage
Sesame Street.
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Distracted Driving Prevention: Laws Differ and Texting Bans May Not Be Enough
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The efforts to reduce distracted
driving may not result in lower rates of accidents until all use of cell phones while driving is banned and effective training is offered.
An insurance industry study released in
January 2010 found that states banning only the use of hand-held
devices or text messaging while driving have not resulted in fewer
vehicle crashes. The study by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI)
examined insurance claims from crashes before and after the bans took effect
in California, New York, Connecticut and Washington, D.C. It found that
claims rates did not go down after the laws were enacted. There was no change
in accident patterns compared with nearby states without such bans. It has been
suggested that increased use of hands-free devices may have offset
gains from decrease in handset use. HDLI
president Adrian Lund was reported to have said that the finding "doesn't bode well
for any safety payoff from all the new laws."
The National Safety Council (NSC)
favors a ban of all cell phone use while driving. The NSC is
documenting the trend of employers to adopt their own bans. Tables available on the website of the NSC shows states with cell phone laws, whether they specifically ban text messaging, and
whether they are enforced as primary or secondary laws. Go to http://www.nsc.org/safety road/Distracted_Driving/Pages/StateLaw.aspx
Numerous localities have
also enacted restrictions on cell phone use while driving. The use of all
cell phones while driving a school bus is prohibited in 19 states and the
District of Columbia. Bans on driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone
are in place in eight states and the District of Columbia.
In order to heighten the awareness of
the dangers of distracted driving, DuPont Sustainable Solutions has produced Driven To Distraction, a groundbreaking training program. Viewers will see and
hear the main character as this ever-present traveling companion who delights in using food, drink,
make-up, stress, radios, cell phones and even other drivers
as constant distractions. The malevolent companion expresses no
remorse about causing accidents - from minor fender-benders to fatal crashes.
Many
thanks to Sandra Greene of DuPont Sustainable
Solutions, Training Solutions for her
assistance with this article. For more information about Driven
to Distraction, visit www.driventodistraction.com and preview this program free online. |
District Passes Graduation Safety Challenge: Protecting
the President |
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Kalamazoo Central HS was selected as the winner of the Race to the Top
Commencement Challenge, earning the school the right to have President Obama as
its commencement speaker. Supt. Mark
Bielang of Paw Paw MI, who currently serves as AASA president, filed a report
for AASA on his experience at the June 7 commencement program of his alma
mater. He stated, "It was an evening of celebration, pride and
joy. Those gathered took in the significance of the evening as they celebrated
not only the graduation of nearly 300 "K Central" students but also the
life-changing impact of the Kalamazoo Promise - four-year tuition scholarships
to all KPS graduates."
Obviously it took a lot of hard work behind the scenes by district leaders, administrators and staff to host the President and ensure a safe event for all concerned.
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Studies Show Frequency of Injury by Gender and Type of Sport
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| Do more concussions occur in soccer because of player collisions or headers? "Girls are more prone to concussions and heat illness," according to a June 22 article in the Wall Street Journal.(WSJ) Numerous studies about the frequency of different types of injuries and injuries by sport are mentioned. One study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital provides injury rates for football, soccer, basketball, baseball and softball. Baseball came out with the lowest number of injuries per 1,000 times a player takes the field. The study also found that soccer injuries occur about twice as often in the second half of a game. There doesn't appear to be any position in soccer that is more hazardous. A study by a pediatric sports medicine specialist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia showed that girls suffer concussions most often from collisions with other players. The findings on susceptibility to heat illness among girls appear to be
backed up by another study of participants in a large youth soccer
tournament, the Swan USA Cup.
The WSJ article also pointed out that the National High School Federation (NHSF) sets standards for shin guards in soccer, along with other types of athletic equipment, and during this past school year NHSF adopted a rule requiring clearance by a medical professional for participation following a concussion.
To learn about differences in injury rates between football and soccer, which gender of soccer players has more injuries, and several sources of athletic injury data, please contact the Executive Director. In the near future, you will be able to find additional reference information in Community Resources at Risk Central. |
Green Relief for the RFP
Process
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Some simple
changes to "RFPs as usual" can lead to a more efficient, successful and
rewarding process. Districts now have a way to cut down on phone calls, have someone
facilitate their pre-bid conference and take advantage of additional options,
including accepting proposals electronically.
"Like most people these days, I was seeking an efficient and effective
way to go through the RFP process without killing trees and wasting a lot of
people's time and money attending meetings out of their area," stated Cathy Aguilar, claims manager of the San Francisco
Unified School District.
Pre-bid conferences facilitated on the Internet are a good way for the school district to get the information
it really wants in the most efficient format to help save time and
resources. Districts can get access to
added tools that can make the process virtually paperless. The practice can be further simplified by
using a dedicated website for release of the RFP, to post addendums, manage
incoming questions, facilitate correspondence and accept proposals
electronically. Districts
don't have to pay for the green RFP service. Vendors are willing to put up the money for a
qualified independent administrator. A typical cost for a vendor in a "green RFP
process" is less than $250. Fees
usually cover audio/video reproduction
of the pre-bid meeting, as well as a copy of the electronic sign-in sheet. Vendors may save
thousands of dollars by attending pre-bid conferences via webinars and
reduced printing and mailing for proposals. According to
Aguilar, San Francisco USD wanted claims service providers to participate in
its RFP process with minimal cost and found a company that could deliver
excellent results. "Green
Proposals was just what SFUSD needed to
assist us in not only helping the environment and saving money, but also
managing the entire RFP process," stated Aquilar. "They did everything," she added. "From distributing the RFP materials to
managing the questions to facilitating the submission of proposals
electronically - all was included in the process. Green Proposals conducted the pre-bid
conference via webinar and their service was invaluable since it was
so organized as well as being economical for all concerned. I think this is the way all RFPs will be done
in the future." With a convenient website as the central communication area, independent green RFP
administrators oversee and break up the RFP process into easy-to-follow steps while simultaneously reducing the
carbon footprint. They can increase efficiency and create a more
environmentally friendly RFP process at no cost to districts. Many thanks to Cathy Aguilar, San Francisco USD and Shelly
Temkin of Green Proposals for
their assistance with this article. To learn more about Green Proposals, go to: www.greenproposals.com. |
FERMA Promotes Forward
Progress on Risk Management in Florida Schools
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Risk managers from about 30 Florida districts, including several of the state's largest, gathered in Sarasota June 15-18 for the annual conference of the Florida Educational Risk Management Association. Also attending were staff members of the Florida School Boards
Insurance Trust and other risk sharing groups, plus representatives of 29 sponsoring organizations.
Presentations covered a wide range of topics,
including recent legislation, student safety, disaster
recovery, on-site clinics, student accident insurance, health plan options, benefits outsourcing, wellness programs, workers' compensation, sovereign immunity and health care reform.
The emergency management presentation by representatives of Marsh and Manatee county schools offered an inside look at the first of its kind week-long Integrated Emergency Management Course. About 75 public and private sector delegates from Manatee County took part in the course at FEMA headquarters in Maryland. The presentation illustrated the dramatic change in FEMA's updated flood zone and damage assessment models and offered lessons about pre-disaster communication, vendor contracting, interplay between insurance and FEMA claims, site access control, debris removal costs, importance of baselines, and record keeping requirements for FEMA cost recovery.
The presenters for this year's FERMA program were:
Glen Lathers, Hillsborough County Schools Gerry Koziel, Indian River County Schools Jeb McPherson, Marsh Deb Gallagher, Marsh Forest Branscomb, Manatee County Schools Sally Hull, Manatee County Schools
George McLatchey, St. Johns County Schools Debbie Weiner, Bailey Group Tim McCreary, Employers Mutual
Larry Somerville, Bencor Bill Coons, Thomco
Joanna Lynch, Special Markets Dave Shanks, AON Dick Klima, AON Greg Butterfield, A.J. Gallagher Tony Abella, Jr., A.J. Gallagher Jan Bush, Robinson Bush Desso Forman, FBMC Cindy Herron, AON Tammy Collin, Mercer Kelly Klocek, BCBSFL Kelly Booth, BCBSFL Lisa Augspurger, Bush & Augspurger Shanna Caviness, Marsh |
Finding Newsletters and Other Links
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To look back and check past issues of this newsletter, go to the homepage of the Public School Risk Institute, open Resources, then Helpful Links and scroll down to School Risk News, or simply click here http://www.schoolrisk.org/helpful-links
Using Helpful Links at www.schoolrisk org is an easy way to find excellent resources about a wide range of subjects. If you need assistance, please call or use the Contact Us feature to send a request.
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Public School Risk Institute
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Please call or send us a note with your comments and
suggestions about this newsletter and any projects you would like to see us
undertake. We also want to receive school contact names, contacts with
organizations you believe may want to be involved, and material for the new
website resources.
We
hope you find the Institute's newly updated website useful. Please
visit regularly and let us know how we can support your efforts to
advance risk management. Your input and feedback is greatly desired
and appreciated.
Sincerely,
Lee Gaby, Executive Director Public School Risk Institute [email protected] NEW Phone (706) 715-3381 Ext. 701
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