The O'Neill Group: Charter School Division

Waiting for Superman?

2011-04-19T06:28:00.001-04:00

How About a Super Manager Instead?

Whether you love or hate the movie by the title Waiting for Superman, one thing is certain: it has sparked a lot of conversation and interest in the state of U.S. Schools, including charter schools like your own.

There is a lot to be said about Charter and Private Schools: the benefits they have, the future of the system… and , of course, the unique protection challenges they face.

The truth is, Charter Schools ARE unique to state-funded schools in many, many ways. For one thing, they often take up residence in abandoned state or local centers, or are forced to find or build suitable facilities on their own. They also often offer before and after school care, extra activities, and may even cater to the needs of special groups or challenged students. While these may be good things for communities, they can also pose potential risks to the school and to its board members and directors.

Because of the special needs of Charter Schools, the Certified School Risk Manager (CSRM) designation is the ONLY designation that your school should accept from your insurance agent. If your current agent does not have this designation after their name--- and not many do--- no matter how well-intentioned, well-meaning, or pleasant the agent is to work with, the fact is they just do not have the training and expertise necessary to properly insure your school.

While I can’t leap tall buildings in a single bound, I AM a great protection man. I can see that your school is properly insured for what can go wrong. We will develop strategies to keep accidents from becoming disastrous and manage your day-to-day risks so that claims are unlikely to arise at all. Perhaps even more important, your staff, and your board of directors will be properly protected from lawsuits and claims, too.

Right now is the time to look at your school’s protection, and plan for the 2011/2012 school year ahead.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss your school’s protection. Please also feel free to pass this email or my information along to your board, your sponsors, and other colleagues who should be informed on our “super” protection program for Charter Schools as well.

Time MARCHes on

2011-03-04T13:45:00.000-05:00

NOW is the time!

Most school insurance contracts renew in June or July. To get your very best pricing, underwriters need time to evaluate and get comfortable with your school’s operations. So NOW is the time to get started on this very important issue!

Let’s face it: We all would love to manage our time a little bit better, and take care of all those nagging duties we put off to the last minute. Usually, the items most painful are put on the back burner. Time marches forward, and so follows your school’s never-ending and ever-changing protection needs. The insurance market and the insurance contracts that protect you, your students, and your board change year-to-year. Not reviewing these contracts each year may find you without needed (and often required) protection. Your school could be dangerously close to facing litigation, liability, or even complete financial devastation.

We have the solution! Our review of your school’s insurance needs is painless because we’ve simplified the process. Our Charter School Insurance Center team has a quick, easy, and efficient plan to learn if your school is receiving the best protection at the best possible cost. We’ve removed all of the anxiety and the pain… and shortened the time it takes to get your school’s insurance protection on track with our exclusive 2-page application.

Trust me, if you are involved in a large claim, the last thing you’ll want to hear is, “Sorry, but that’s not covered” from your insurer. It is worth the time to review your policy.

There should be nothing holding you back now from getting started on your school’s protection.

Now is the time! Take action to properly protect your school.

What Are Your Resources?

2011-02-04T13:36:00.000-05:00

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.

Keep Your Resolution to Your School

2011-01-16T13:27:00.000-05:00

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!

Seasonal Safety and Risk Management for Your Classrooms

2010-12-02T09:50:00.003-05:00

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!

What Can We Learn From "Mentors" In Our Country?

2010-11-11T09:55:00.000-05:00

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.

Where Have All The Swing Sets Gone?

2010-10-14T09:58:00.001-04:00

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.

A NEW PRECEDENT IS SET for SCHOOL DISCRIMINATION CASES

2010-09-02T10:17:00.001-04:00

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

The O’Neill Group Nominated for Corporate Citizen of The Year

2010-09-01T15:05:00.000-04:00

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 O’Neill Group to Sponsor Non-Profit Golf Outing

2010-08-09T11:16:00.001-04:00

Wadsworth, August 9, 2010: The O’Neill Group has committed to being the title sponsor for the 5th Annual Siffrin, Inc. Golf Outing held on October 4, 2010. This is the second year that the independent insurance agency located in Wadsworth, Ohio will be sponsoring the event.

“The 2009 event was such a great success, we could not pass up the opportunity to help Siffrin raise money again this year. The entire event is first-class and the outing is a lot of fun, too,” said Patrick O’Neill, President and CEO of The O’Neill Group. “This year, The O’Neill Group hopes to help Siffrin raise even more money for their worthy cause.”

Siffrin, Inc. is a non-profit agency that provides support services to people with disabilities in the Medina, Summit and Wayne County areas. This year’s event will be held at the prestigious Brookside Country Club in Canton, Ohio, and will directly benefit Siffrin’s Bridge Adult Day Services. Golf foursome registrations, individual sponsorships opportunities, and donations are still being accepted for the October outing.

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 or to learn more about the Siffrin, Inc. Golf Outing, please call The O’Neill Group at 330-334-1561 or toll-free 800-334-1561. You can also visit them online at http://www.oneillinsurance.com/ and http://www.siffrin.com/.

New Website Aimed at Helping Charter Schools

2010-06-01T11:57:00.000-04:00

PRESS RELEASE
Wadsworth, Ohio, June 1, 2010.

The O’Neill Group Charter School Division officially announces the launch of their Charter School Insurance website, located at www.charterschoolinsurance.com.

Thomas Van Auker, who heads the agency’s Charter School Insurance Division and holds the prestigious designation of Certified School Risk Manager (CSRM), played a major role in the re-design of the website. In addition to offering information on risk management and insurance protection, web users can request additional information on custom-designed Property, Auto, and Liability insurance packages as well as Group Life and Health for their employees located in Ohio or in any other state across the country. Users can also use the provided link to the new Charter School Insurance Blog to stay up-to-date on charter school news and developments.

Tom’s designation of Certified School Risk Manager confirms his commitment to excel in the area of Charter School Insurance and to provide the highest quality professional insurance programs to Charter Schools. The newly designed website is a reflection of Tom’s dedication to protecting school employees, school boards and management companies that oversee them, and the students who attend them.

The O’Neill Group is an independent insurance agency located in Downtown Wadsworth, Ohio. To contact Tom Van Auker, or to receive additional information regarding The O’Neill Group’s insurance protection programs including Charter School Insurance packages, please call the office at 330-334-1561 or 800-334-1561, or visit the company websites at www.charterschoolinsurance.com and www.oneillinsurance.com.

Upfront Costs Pay Off Big Time

2010-05-31T17:15:00.001-04:00

Often the “upfront” cost, or premium, of a charter school’s insurance policy are of major concern to the board, its financial officers and investors. However, cutting corners or choosing less-than-adequate insurance protection for your school can really end up costing more in the long run!

“The true cost of your insurance is the premium you pay
PLUS any uncovered claims.”

Consider the following real cases:
• A child was pushed into a bookcase’s sharp corner. The wound required numerous stitches, and the child also was at risk for tetanus because of rust on the bookcase. This cost the school district more than $200,000 in a settlement.

• A high school student lost several fingers when he cut a piece of wood on a table saw. The teacher had replaced a bolt in the mechanism and the accident happened when the bolt loosened. This cost the school district nearly $1 million in a court settlement.

• Two students return a television cart to the library. When one student lost his grip, the television toppled off and landed on the other child’s head, causing permanent brain damage. The jury awarded the student’s family $1.7 million.

The scary part is that you MAY NOT be covered for these accidents…possibly putting your school into debt or even facing bankruptcy and closure.

If you have never reviewed your protection program by a Certified School Risk Manager, you may be at risk to pay out-of-pocket for certain accidents that occur during school or on your property. You can have your insurance protection evaluated for FREE by a certified professional by simply contacting Tom Van Auker at our office at (800)334-1561.

Invest in Employee Health with Employee Wellness Program

2010-05-31T16:47:00.001-04:00

Upfront costs don’t only pay off when it comes to property and casualty insurance - they pay off for employee health insurance, too.

A school's health care insurance costs can be a large part of your budget and can really add up. Your premiums may be going up due to employees suffering from diabetes, asthma, and other chronic illnesses related to poor diet and exercise habits, which is why it may be a wise idea to consider adopting an employee wellness program.

Many businesses are seeing relief from high premiums with employee wellness programs. These programs encourage healthy habits and make it easy for employees to get preventative care. Although there are upfront costs associated with the programs, the out-of-pocket expenses were more than covered by the premium savings obtained by your health insurance company for establishing such a program. Another benefit is the fact that “healthier” employees miss less work days… therefore, reducing expenses for substitutes or temporary aides. If you are interested in learning more about reducing your health care costs, CALL US TODAY at (800)334-1561.

Are You Putting the Horse Before the C.A.R.T.?

2010-05-11T09:28:00.006-04:00

Can you believe it’s May already? You are most likely in the midst of the “end-of-the-school-year” craziness and the kids are anxious to start their summer break! You‘re probably equally anxious for summer to start, while trying to work out the budget, teacher and staff contracts, and curriculum for next year. These are all time-consuming, but necessary and challenging parts of your job – this is where your talent and experience make a difference.

But what about your insurance protection?

Do me a favor and ask yourself one question: Do you really understand what’s in your charter school insurance policy? If you’re not 100% sure what is (and is NOT) covered, then perhaps you’re putting the horse before the C.A.R.T.!

C.A.R.T. stands for four fundamental principles of Charter School Insurance.
• C - Control
• A - Avoid
• R - Retain
• T - Transfer

If you are unsure of these principles, then there is a good chance your protection is not adequate, and you and your school may be at risk. This is where we can help! We will educate you on the coverages you have, as well as what you may need or not need.

To learn more about C.A.R.T. and what that means to YOUR SCHOOL,
please call us at 1-800-334-1561 and ask for Tom Van Auker,
Certified School Risk Manager. Ask for your FREE, NO-OBLIGATION
ASSESSMENT of your current policy.

Van Auker Earns CSRM Designation

2010-03-23T15:23:00.001-04:00

Thomas P. Van Auker of The O’Neill Group has recently received the prestigious insurance designation of Certified School Risk Manager. The CSRM designation implies that Tom has further committed to excel in the area of Charter School Insurance and to provide the highest quality professional insurance programs to Charter School clients. The designation is conferred upon insurance professionals who complete all five courses in measuring, handling, funding and administering school risks, pass all of the course examinations and commit to meeting annual continuing education requirements to stay up-to-date with the ever-changing needs of charter, public and private schools. Tom is currently one of only an elite few nationwide to have earned the CSRM designation from The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research.

Tom heads the agency’s Charter School Insurance Division, which supplies custom-designed Property, Auto, and Liability insurance packages as well as Group Life and Health to schools in Ohio and other states across the country. In addition to planning, servicing and maintaining The O’Neill Group’s school accounts, he oversees other Commercial Lines accounts as well as serves as the company’s Executive Vice President.

The O’Neill Group is an independent insurance agency located in Wadsworth, Ohio. To contact Tom Van Auker, or to receive additional information regarding The O’Neill Group’s insurance protection programs, please call 330-334-1561 or 800-334-1561, or visit the company website at http://www.oneillinsurance.com/, or the Charter School Division's website at http://www.charterschoolinsurance.com/.