Nov 8, 2010 by Lee Gaby
The Institute began work in May on a Continuous Improvement Model for school risk management. Several risk managers in large school districts and school risk group staff provided the initial inspiration for the project. Support has been expressed from a broad cross-section of professionals. Balanced scorecards are being used throughout public education, yet risk management is seldom assessed in a comprehensive manner. Different groups have developed several benchmarking instruments for different purposes. The project director is seeking ideas and suggestions for creative applications. The project team envisions use of the model for loss prevention and underwriting functions by risk groups. Districts may want to use the model in their marketing/insurance placement efforts. The project manager is seeking ideas and suggestions to make the model as useful as possible to benefit the interests of districts and school risk groups.
Highlights of a presentation October 19 during the Fall Conference of the Association of Governmental Risk Pools were:
• Mark McKinney of Florida School Boards Insurance Trust gave a short history and overview of the project and people involved.
• Catherine Bennett, CPCU, Cost Control Concepts described the work that has taken place since the first task forces were mobilized in early June. She recognized the individuals and groups that have taken part on task forces and the steering group.
• Lee Gaby discussed some of the project benefits and possible uses for the assessment instrument and scorecard. He described other models, including one being used by the New Jersey School Boards Association Insurance Group. (Sample document included in packet) He thanked the sponsors and everyone who has been willing to share ideas and information.
The presentation stressed the fact that the project is intended to develop an open access tool for managing risk that represents a consensus from a nationwide community of school risk management professionals. Everyone was encouraged to participate on a task force, with a new round of task forces starting in November.
Please contact the Institute to find out more about opportunities to serve as a member of the steering group or a task force.
Thank you.
Catherine Bennett, CPCU
Project Manager
bennett@costcontrolconcepts.com
(615)604-5481
Lee Gaby
Executive Director
leegaby@schoolrisk.org
706 715-3381 ext 701
