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Information Item
DATE: Tuesday, November 12, 2013
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Risk Manager of the Year Award Winner for 2013.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Florida Educational Risk Management Association (FERMA) annually assesses the leadership qualities of its members and associated school districts that have exceptional outcomes.  For 2013, an assessment was performed by a committee comprised of the FERMA Board and various vendors working in the field of risk management.  The areas of concentration for this year's award were Safety Management, Worker's Compensation, General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Environmental Liability.

It was the unanimous decision of the committee to award the "Risk Manager Of The Year" to Glen Lathers, Risk Management and Safety Manager, and to Hillsborough County Public Schools.  According to several members on the committee, Mr. Lather's implementation of proactive insurance programs designed to provide adequate risk avoidance at the District were unmatched among the other Florida school districts assessed.  Several of the best practices recognized were:

  • Outstanding Safety Manual and Safety Training Program
  • Inspection Program and automated Work Request Program
  • Reduction in required reserves for the District’s self-insured programs
    • Workers’ Compensation and General Liability costs were reduced from $8,154,000 in 2010 to $7,650,000 in 2013
  • Reduction of the annual State Self-insured Assessment Modification Factor for Workers' Comp.
    • Rate reduced from .80 in 2001 to .65 in 2013 ($150,000+ saved annually)
    • Average Modification Factor for Florida School Districts is 1.55
  • Effective management of all environmental risks to the District

The School District will be awarded the District award for "Risk Management Excellence" at the Florida School Board's Association Joint Conference this November.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety including students, employees, visitors, facilities, transportation, and health
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
N/A
EVALUATION
N/A
SUBMITTED BY: 
Deborah M. Henry   Daniel J. Valdez
General Manager of Employee Benefits & Insurance
(813) 272-4665
  Deputy Superintendent
(813) 272-4166
    C 22
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20131112_602 (Board Recognition Meeting) * Section C Item# 22