When your students need an answer to a problem, or help with their homework, what do you tell them to do? My guess would be either to consult a book, ask a tutor, or even to come to you with any questions. In other words, you suggest they find the right resource to help them.
If you have a math problem, you can likely find your answer in a math book. Easy, right? But, sometimes in business, locating a trusted, reliable resource isn’t as easy as it sounds. What if you have concerns about your school’s protection and safety? Who would you trust to answer your issues?
- A principal, school manager, or another colleague?
They might have the answer… or, perhaps not. (More importantly, can you be certain that it is the correct answer?)
- Your current insurance agent or your insurance company?
Not all insurance agencies or companies are equipped to handle risk management for the unique needs of schools. Sure, they’re probably doing the best they can… but is that really good enough? Can you be sure the advice they give is really in YOUR best interest and not theirs? Unless your insurance company has a specific program for schools and has a CSRM (Certified School Risk Manager) on staff, it is unlikely they can answer all the tough protection questions you have.
- A Certified School Risk Manager, with the strength and support of the Safety Advantage Network?
This is the absolute BEST option to voice all of your safety and protection concerns. A CSRM has taken the time to learn all there is to know about protecting schools and their assets. They are committed to providing schools with the information that they need to make their schools safer places. A CSRM can offer:
· Focused, individualized risk assessment for your unique school.
· On-going consultation, loss analysis, and a wide range of training and other tools to assist you in implementing an effective loss-prevention program and to manage your school’s risks wisely.
· Access to The Safety Advantage Network: a team of industry professionals providing access to quality products, advice, and school safety solutions available. This includes resources for Sexual Molestation Awareness and Prevention; Background Checks; Violence Prevention; Workplace Safety Training; School Safety Enhancements; and Unique Safety Products.
The best advice I can give you?
It’s the same advice you give your students: find the right resource to help you. In the case of your school’s protection, that means finding a CSRM.
Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or concerns you may have about your school’s risk management and insurance programs. As a CSRM, you can trust that I’ll do my best to see that you’re protected.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Keep Your Resolution to Your School
The start of a New Year has always been the time to reflect on the past year, and more importantly, look forward to the coming year. It's a time to consider the changes we want or need to make our lives better and, of course, make our schools better.
Reflecting on the past: Pick ONE item to improve the safety of your school.
If everything has gone smoothly for you so far during this school year, congratulations! You’re one of the lucky schools that have avoided legal issues, property troubles, playground equipment failures, lunchroom catastrophes, or a whole host of other issues that are unique to schools.
Even if you’ve avoided claims and accidents, it doesn’t mean they can’t occur in the future. Most likely, there is room for improvement somewhere in your current protection plan.
Looking ahead: Is there a way to better protect your school; its teachers, board and staff members; its financial stability and future income?
If you experienced an unpaid claim in 2010, then you already know the answer is “yes.” Even if you haven’t yet experienced an unpaid claim, it may only be a matter of time before you do… especially if you do not make sure your school is properly insured. An unpaid claim of any size can not only harm your school’s finances now, but also hurt its future growth and even its reputation as an educational establishment.
Avoid experiencing an unpaid claim or a coverage gap in your school protection program. Have a highly qualified risk manager assess your operations and insurance contracts.
Make it your New Year’s Resolution to take advantage of a FREE EVALUATION of your current insurance and of your school’s protection needs.
Our Free Evaluation offers you peace-of-mind, and it can be done with little effort on your part. In fact, our team prides itself on making the entire process as easy as possible. Our easy-to-fill two page form can get you started on your better-protected-tomorrow, today.
Simply click here to get started.
Have a happy and safe New Year!
Reflecting on the past: Pick ONE item to improve the safety of your school.
If everything has gone smoothly for you so far during this school year, congratulations! You’re one of the lucky schools that have avoided legal issues, property troubles, playground equipment failures, lunchroom catastrophes, or a whole host of other issues that are unique to schools.
Even if you’ve avoided claims and accidents, it doesn’t mean they can’t occur in the future. Most likely, there is room for improvement somewhere in your current protection plan.
Looking ahead: Is there a way to better protect your school; its teachers, board and staff members; its financial stability and future income?
If you experienced an unpaid claim in 2010, then you already know the answer is “yes.” Even if you haven’t yet experienced an unpaid claim, it may only be a matter of time before you do… especially if you do not make sure your school is properly insured. An unpaid claim of any size can not only harm your school’s finances now, but also hurt its future growth and even its reputation as an educational establishment.
Avoid experiencing an unpaid claim or a coverage gap in your school protection program. Have a highly qualified risk manager assess your operations and insurance contracts.
Make it your New Year’s Resolution to take advantage of a FREE EVALUATION of your current insurance and of your school’s protection needs.
Our Free Evaluation offers you peace-of-mind, and it can be done with little effort on your part. In fact, our team prides itself on making the entire process as easy as possible. Our easy-to-fill two page form can get you started on your better-protected-tomorrow, today.
Simply click here to get started.
Have a happy and safe New Year!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Seasonal Safety and Risk Management for Your Classrooms
It’s that time of year again. Students in your classrooms are getting anxious and excited for the upcoming break and holiday season. They might be riled up from being stuck indoors due to snowy or icy weather, or just overly excited about all of the holiday parties to attend.
It may come as no surprise that with the season should come some safety concerns for your school. In particular, holiday decorations - although festive and fun - pose real risks. These need to be properly managed by all of the teachers and staff in your school. This will avoid possible accidents or disasters.
If you plan on stringing holiday lights or placing them on an artificial tree in your school, be sure to:
· Look at each string of lights carefully. If any are cracked or damaged, discard them and buy new ones.
· Purchase lights safety rated as ETL or UL.
· Follow the directions on the box. It will tell you how many strings to use together. As a rule, UL recommends using no more than three standard-size sets of lights together.
· Do not plug in too many things at one time.
· Use a surge protector.
· Keep electrical cords out of aisles and hallways as well as out of the path of children to prevent them from becoming tripping hazards.
· Don’t place electrical cords underneath rugs or runners.
· Unplug all holiday lights when you leave school for the day.
Holiday trees can also pose dangers. To make sure your tree doesn’t become the cause of an accident or mishap, be sure to:
· Use an artificial tree that is marked “fire-resistant.”
· Do not block exits or pathways with your tree.
· Be sure to use a VERY SECURE BASE, or secure the tree to sturdy wall to avoid tipping. Children may try to touch the tree or ornaments, and without a sturdy base, the tree could topple on a student.
· Use plastic or shatter-proof ornaments instead of glass which can easily shatter. Better yet, use hand-made paper ornaments prepared by your students.
Parties, pageants, choir rehearsals, or sporting events will likely be a part of your school’s holiday season. Make sure everyone is safe by decorating wisely.
Have a safe holiday season, and a safe and prosperous New Year!
It may come as no surprise that with the season should come some safety concerns for your school. In particular, holiday decorations - although festive and fun - pose real risks. These need to be properly managed by all of the teachers and staff in your school. This will avoid possible accidents or disasters.
If you plan on stringing holiday lights or placing them on an artificial tree in your school, be sure to:
· Look at each string of lights carefully. If any are cracked or damaged, discard them and buy new ones.
· Purchase lights safety rated as ETL or UL.
· Follow the directions on the box. It will tell you how many strings to use together. As a rule, UL recommends using no more than three standard-size sets of lights together.
· Do not plug in too many things at one time.
· Use a surge protector.
· Keep electrical cords out of aisles and hallways as well as out of the path of children to prevent them from becoming tripping hazards.
· Don’t place electrical cords underneath rugs or runners.
· Unplug all holiday lights when you leave school for the day.
Holiday trees can also pose dangers. To make sure your tree doesn’t become the cause of an accident or mishap, be sure to:
· Use an artificial tree that is marked “fire-resistant.”
· Do not block exits or pathways with your tree.
· Be sure to use a VERY SECURE BASE, or secure the tree to sturdy wall to avoid tipping. Children may try to touch the tree or ornaments, and without a sturdy base, the tree could topple on a student.
· Use plastic or shatter-proof ornaments instead of glass which can easily shatter. Better yet, use hand-made paper ornaments prepared by your students.
Parties, pageants, choir rehearsals, or sporting events will likely be a part of your school’s holiday season. Make sure everyone is safe by decorating wisely.
Have a safe holiday season, and a safe and prosperous New Year!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
What Can We Learn From "Mentors" In Our Country?
Imagine a school that received a score of 9 out of 10 from parents on www.greatschools.org.
Imagine a school that ranks in the mid 90th percentile nationwide for reading and math, boasts a 95% attendance rate, runs a successful athletic program, and has a wide variety of curriculum including specific study programs from art and music to technology and world language.
Imagine this school in a city of just over 50,000 people – a city that was named “One of the Best 100 Places to Live” by CNN and MONEY magazine.
A school like that surely can’t get sued… or can it?
The school is Mentor High School, in Mentor, Ohio, where things may not be exactly as they appear. In fact, since 2007, four students have committed suicide as a result of being bullied.
The high school is being sued by two families who accuse administrators of doing nothing to stop the torment, harassment and bullying that lead their children to kill themselves. The Vidovic family started a lawsuit with the school over the bullying of their daughter, Jana, in 2007. When the family asked for the bullying reports of their daughter, school officials told them the records were destroyed during a switch to new computers. Unfortunately, the story did not end there. Jana committed suicide in 2008, and the family opened another case in August 2010. Eric Mohat shot himself in March 2007 after being relentlessly bullied in math class, as told by other teens. In April 2009, the Mohats sued the school district, the principal, the superintendent and Eric’s math teacher. The federal lawsuit is on hold while the Ohio Supreme Court considers a question of state law regarding the case.
So, what can we learn from schools like Mentor High School?
· No school is “exempt” from being sued --- even those with outstanding results.
· School records should be kept safe and all cases of bullying should be recorded.
· The district, school, administrators, teachers and staff can all be sued separately on a single case.
· The cases can drag on for years and years, and can be subject to trials in State Supreme Courts AND in Federal Court. The time, emotional stress, and financial impact (primarily legal fees) can be devastating to a school and its staff.
· Bullying is a real threat. Proper anti-bullying procedures and discipline plans are necessary for any school in operation today.
While these cases are still being considered in a court of law, isn’t it time to consider your own school’s risks and behaviors on bullying, too? Tom Van Auker, President of The Charter School Resource Center is a Certified School Risk Manager (CSRM). He is the perfect person to assess whether or not your school is doing all it can to protect the school, the students and the staff.
Take a lesson from the “Mentors” of this country.
Call The O’Neill Group today at 1-800-334-1561.
Imagine a school that ranks in the mid 90th percentile nationwide for reading and math, boasts a 95% attendance rate, runs a successful athletic program, and has a wide variety of curriculum including specific study programs from art and music to technology and world language.
Imagine this school in a city of just over 50,000 people – a city that was named “One of the Best 100 Places to Live” by CNN and MONEY magazine.
A school like that surely can’t get sued… or can it?
The school is Mentor High School, in Mentor, Ohio, where things may not be exactly as they appear. In fact, since 2007, four students have committed suicide as a result of being bullied.
The high school is being sued by two families who accuse administrators of doing nothing to stop the torment, harassment and bullying that lead their children to kill themselves. The Vidovic family started a lawsuit with the school over the bullying of their daughter, Jana, in 2007. When the family asked for the bullying reports of their daughter, school officials told them the records were destroyed during a switch to new computers. Unfortunately, the story did not end there. Jana committed suicide in 2008, and the family opened another case in August 2010. Eric Mohat shot himself in March 2007 after being relentlessly bullied in math class, as told by other teens. In April 2009, the Mohats sued the school district, the principal, the superintendent and Eric’s math teacher. The federal lawsuit is on hold while the Ohio Supreme Court considers a question of state law regarding the case.
So, what can we learn from schools like Mentor High School?
· No school is “exempt” from being sued --- even those with outstanding results.
· School records should be kept safe and all cases of bullying should be recorded.
· The district, school, administrators, teachers and staff can all be sued separately on a single case.
· The cases can drag on for years and years, and can be subject to trials in State Supreme Courts AND in Federal Court. The time, emotional stress, and financial impact (primarily legal fees) can be devastating to a school and its staff.
· Bullying is a real threat. Proper anti-bullying procedures and discipline plans are necessary for any school in operation today.
While these cases are still being considered in a court of law, isn’t it time to consider your own school’s risks and behaviors on bullying, too? Tom Van Auker, President of The Charter School Resource Center is a Certified School Risk Manager (CSRM). He is the perfect person to assess whether or not your school is doing all it can to protect the school, the students and the staff.
Take a lesson from the “Mentors” of this country.
Call The O’Neill Group today at 1-800-334-1561.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Where Have All The Swing Sets Gone?
There’s a little song from Joni Mitchell that states, “They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot… don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone…”
This is the way I feel about a West Virginia school district. They announced their decision to take down their school playground equipment. Unfortunately, they won’t ‘know what they had going for them until it’s gone.’ There are a lot of added benefits to allowing children to have fun outdoors at recess. In fact, a study showed children were more attentive and creative in the classroom when allowed “free play” time including outdoor recess.*
The swings are being removed from Cabell County schools in southern West Virginia in part because of a lawsuit. They claim the lawsuit this past year was too costly. The incident involved a youngster who broke his arm jumping off a swing (like he was a superhero). A report states the school district settled for $20,000… of their OWN money.
I’m definitely not siding with the suit-happy parents. “Little Johnny” was probably just being a regular energetic little boy… and a little personal responsibility and character should have come into play here. But he is a child.
With that in mind, though, how many other “little Johnny’s” are out there? How many can you identify in YOUR classrooms? Unfortunately, this case illustrates today’s parents won’t hesitate to sue. When their “little Johnny” or “little Jill” fall from the swing sets in your school yard, someone in authority is certainly to blame.
So, what should be the correct response? By removing the swings, you now punish all of your students. Is that overreaction or a prudent risk management strategy? The fact will remain that some children are just daredevils or aggressive in their play, and it’s not an option to completely stop children from running during recess.
What SHOULD you be doing?
You should be protecting yourself with the proper insurance from a highly-ranked company and have an experienced Charter School Risk Manager oversee your coverage.
That way, if Johnny’s parents sue you and your school, you’ll be covered. Your school won’t have to pay from its own pockets, like Cabell County did.
Don’t remove your swings.
Protect them…protect your school.
(And let the kids play!)
*In 1993, Pelligrini & Davis published the results of a study on the effects of recess on classroom behavior. The results showed that many students build up excess energy and may become fidgety and unable to concentrate during class when denied the opportunity to exercise during recess. Additionally, the California Department of Education conducted a study that showed that children who are physically active score higher on the Stanford Achievement Test.
This is the way I feel about a West Virginia school district. They announced their decision to take down their school playground equipment. Unfortunately, they won’t ‘know what they had going for them until it’s gone.’ There are a lot of added benefits to allowing children to have fun outdoors at recess. In fact, a study showed children were more attentive and creative in the classroom when allowed “free play” time including outdoor recess.*
The swings are being removed from Cabell County schools in southern West Virginia in part because of a lawsuit. They claim the lawsuit this past year was too costly. The incident involved a youngster who broke his arm jumping off a swing (like he was a superhero). A report states the school district settled for $20,000… of their OWN money.
I’m definitely not siding with the suit-happy parents. “Little Johnny” was probably just being a regular energetic little boy… and a little personal responsibility and character should have come into play here. But he is a child.
With that in mind, though, how many other “little Johnny’s” are out there? How many can you identify in YOUR classrooms? Unfortunately, this case illustrates today’s parents won’t hesitate to sue. When their “little Johnny” or “little Jill” fall from the swing sets in your school yard, someone in authority is certainly to blame.
So, what should be the correct response? By removing the swings, you now punish all of your students. Is that overreaction or a prudent risk management strategy? The fact will remain that some children are just daredevils or aggressive in their play, and it’s not an option to completely stop children from running during recess.
What SHOULD you be doing?
You should be protecting yourself with the proper insurance from a highly-ranked company and have an experienced Charter School Risk Manager oversee your coverage.
That way, if Johnny’s parents sue you and your school, you’ll be covered. Your school won’t have to pay from its own pockets, like Cabell County did.
Don’t remove your swings.
Protect them…protect your school.
(And let the kids play!)
*In 1993, Pelligrini & Davis published the results of a study on the effects of recess on classroom behavior. The results showed that many students build up excess energy and may become fidgety and unable to concentrate during class when denied the opportunity to exercise during recess. Additionally, the California Department of Education conducted a study that showed that children who are physically active score higher on the Stanford Achievement Test.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
A NEW PRECEDENT IS SET for SCHOOL DISCRIMINATION CASES
Does your school have an extra $35,000 to hand out to a single student who sues your school?
That’s what the Itawamba County School District in Mississippi has to pay out… setting a precedent for other litigation against schools who allow discrimination or sexual harassment based on a student’s sexual orientation.
The lawsuit started in March, 2010, when Constance McMillen challenged the Itawamba School District's rule banning same gender “dating” at the prom, and allowing only male students to wear tuxedos. The district responded by canceling its prom, prompting the ACLU to file suit claiming the teen's rights had been violated and demanding the prom be reinstated.
Constance McMillen's lawyers filed litigation in the U.S. District Court to accept a judgment offer from the Itawamba County School District that will pay her $35,000 plus attorney fees. As part of the agreement, the school district also said it would follow a policy not to discriminate based on sexual orientation in any educational or extracurricular activities or allow harassment based on one’s sexual orientation.
The school board attorney, Michele Floyd, said the district's insurance company will pay McMillen. Are you 100% positive that if this happened to YOUR school that your insurance would cover a judgment like this?
With discrimination cases like these on the rise, is your school managing its risks appropriately? Does it have the proper insurance in place to pay for such a lawsuit, the attorney fees, court costs, and the award if you are found liable?
Even if you have policies in place and rules to avoid conflicts, discrimination, or harassment charges, that doesn’t necessarily ensure that you won’t be brought up on charges at some point. Christine P. Sun, an ACLU lawyer, said that this case has "inspired countless other people around the world to stand up for what's right." Sun also said the ACLU has represented other students in similar cases around the country, but none had garnered as much attention as McMillen’s.
The only way to be sure that your school’s financial stability will remain intact, and that your school will not suffer financial strain or even face bankruptcy after legal issues arise is to have your insurance program reviewed annually by a Certified School Risk Manager, such as Thomas Van Auker of The O’Neill Group’s Charter School Division.
A CSRM (Certified School Risk Manager) can assess your risks and put the correct programs in place that will cover your school for discrimination and harassment cases. They can also make sure that it is the Insurance Company that ultimately pays for damages, and not your school.
Quote References: SHELIA BYRD, Associated Press Writer Shelia Byrd, Associated Press– Tue Jul 20
That’s what the Itawamba County School District in Mississippi has to pay out… setting a precedent for other litigation against schools who allow discrimination or sexual harassment based on a student’s sexual orientation.
The lawsuit started in March, 2010, when Constance McMillen challenged the Itawamba School District's rule banning same gender “dating” at the prom, and allowing only male students to wear tuxedos. The district responded by canceling its prom, prompting the ACLU to file suit claiming the teen's rights had been violated and demanding the prom be reinstated.
Constance McMillen's lawyers filed litigation in the U.S. District Court to accept a judgment offer from the Itawamba County School District that will pay her $35,000 plus attorney fees. As part of the agreement, the school district also said it would follow a policy not to discriminate based on sexual orientation in any educational or extracurricular activities or allow harassment based on one’s sexual orientation.
The school board attorney, Michele Floyd, said the district's insurance company will pay McMillen. Are you 100% positive that if this happened to YOUR school that your insurance would cover a judgment like this?
With discrimination cases like these on the rise, is your school managing its risks appropriately? Does it have the proper insurance in place to pay for such a lawsuit, the attorney fees, court costs, and the award if you are found liable?
Even if you have policies in place and rules to avoid conflicts, discrimination, or harassment charges, that doesn’t necessarily ensure that you won’t be brought up on charges at some point. Christine P. Sun, an ACLU lawyer, said that this case has "inspired countless other people around the world to stand up for what's right." Sun also said the ACLU has represented other students in similar cases around the country, but none had garnered as much attention as McMillen’s.
The only way to be sure that your school’s financial stability will remain intact, and that your school will not suffer financial strain or even face bankruptcy after legal issues arise is to have your insurance program reviewed annually by a Certified School Risk Manager, such as Thomas Van Auker of The O’Neill Group’s Charter School Division.
A CSRM (Certified School Risk Manager) can assess your risks and put the correct programs in place that will cover your school for discrimination and harassment cases. They can also make sure that it is the Insurance Company that ultimately pays for damages, and not your school.
Quote References: SHELIA BYRD, Associated Press Writer Shelia Byrd, Associated Press– Tue Jul 20
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The O’Neill Group Nominated for Corporate Citizen of The Year
Wadsworth, September 1, 2010: The O’Neill Group, an independent insurance agency located in Wadsworth, Ohio, has been nominated for the Medina County Corporate Citizen of the Year for 2010.
The nomination came earlier this week from the offices of the Medina County Economic Development Corporation. Michelle Masica, CEO of the Wadsworth Chamber of Commerce, posed the nomination of the agency, citing their support of the local community, outstanding customer service, and their core values as reasons for the nomination nod. The honor also follows The O’Neill Group’s announcement to once again sponsor the Siffrin, Inc. Golf Outing, and the creation of a new community page on their website: www.oneillinsurance.com.
Awards will be delivered on October 28, 2010 at the Blair Center in Westfield Center, Ohio. The award will ultimately be presented to the Medina County company that best exhibits the criteria of providing civic contributions to the community, makes charitable efforts, and encourages community involvement.
The O’Neill Group offers custom-designed Personal and Commercial insurance programs as well as Life and Health insurance for individuals and groups from top-rated companies. To contact Patrick O’Neill, President and CEO, please call The O’Neill Group at 330-334-1561 or toll-free 800-334-1561. You can also visit them online at www.oneillinsurance.com.
The nomination came earlier this week from the offices of the Medina County Economic Development Corporation. Michelle Masica, CEO of the Wadsworth Chamber of Commerce, posed the nomination of the agency, citing their support of the local community, outstanding customer service, and their core values as reasons for the nomination nod. The honor also follows The O’Neill Group’s announcement to once again sponsor the Siffrin, Inc. Golf Outing, and the creation of a new community page on their website: www.oneillinsurance.com.
Awards will be delivered on October 28, 2010 at the Blair Center in Westfield Center, Ohio. The award will ultimately be presented to the Medina County company that best exhibits the criteria of providing civic contributions to the community, makes charitable efforts, and encourages community involvement.
The O’Neill Group offers custom-designed Personal and Commercial insurance programs as well as Life and Health insurance for individuals and groups from top-rated companies. To contact Patrick O’Neill, President and CEO, please call The O’Neill Group at 330-334-1561 or toll-free 800-334-1561. You can also visit them online at www.oneillinsurance.com.
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