Whats New
Thank you to Outgoing Chair Jonathan Houdart
At the January ACCASBO JIF meeting, members presented 2023-24 Chair Jonathan Houdart with a gift for his year leading the JIF. Mr. Houdart, School Business Administrator for the Brigantine Public School District, has previously served as Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Chair of the Safety Committee. In 2014 he was recognized as the JIF Safety Star, and in 2023, Brigantine Public Schools won the Safety District of the Year Award. We thank you for your leadership and look forward to many more years working with you.
Presenting the plaque is ACCASBO Vice Chair Dr. Diane Fox.
GCSSD Celebrates at the Annual Awards Dinner
Each year, the Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem School Districts Joint Insurance Fund (GCSSD JIF) celebrates member school district successes at their Annual State of the Joint Insurance Fund Dinner. The dinner meeting is organized to reward and recognize the extraordinary efforts of member districts for their commitment to provide a safe and healthy environment for students, staff and community by actively participating in risk management programs.
Rewards were earned by Members who reduced the number of accidents by focusing on local safety efforts. Utilizing GCSSD JIF safety services, districts build and maintain responsive internal accident reporting systems. Member Districts were acknowledged for their hard work with recognition plaques and monetary awards.
- In all, twenty-three (23) member school districts were recognized and received awards totaling $107,000.
- Jeremy Warburton, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds for Upper Deerfield School District received the Safety Star of the Year Award. From security planning, to lighting to repairing and updating equipment to overall inspections of the facilities, he has been a valuable employee and has made significant contributions to the health and safety programs throughout the school district.
- Elk Township School District, Gateway Regional School District, Pennsville Public School District and Salem County Vocational Technical School District were each recognized as Safety District of the Year for their ongoing contribution to safety efforts, earning an additional $2,500 reward.
Click Here to View the GCCSD SOJ Dinner Presentation
JIF Safety Director John Geitz with Safety Star Winner Jeremy Warburton, Upper Deerfield School District
Safety District Of The Year Winners: Elk Township School District, Gateway Regional School District, Pennsville Public School District, and Salem County Vocational-Technical School District
BCIP JIF Celebrates 40 Years at the State of the JIF Dinner
Each year, the Burlington County Insurance Pool Joint Insurance Fund (BCIP JIF) celebrates member school district successes at their Annual State of the Joint Insurance Fund Dinner. The dinner meeting is organized to reward and recognize the extraordinary efforts of member districts for their commitment to provide a safe and healthy environment for students, staff and community by actively participating in risk management programs.
Rewards were earned by members who reduced the number of accidents by focusing on local safety efforts. Utilizing BCIP JIF safety services, districts build and maintain internal accident reporting systems. Member Districts were acknowledged for their hard work with recognition plaques and monetary awards.
- Sandy Marlys, School Nurse, Magnolia Borough Board of Education received the Safety Star of the Year award. She created multiple initiatives to promote physical health and safety in the district. Her efforts include implementing lifesaving classes for CPR/AED/Epi-pen training that equip staff and students with skills to foster a culture of preparedness and safety.
- Robert Phillips, Custodian/Groundskeeper from Southampton Township Board of Education also received the Safety Star of the Year award. He consistently goes above and beyond to maintain the school district’s grounds and athletic fields. His commitment to excellence ensures that any concerns are promptly addressed, and the safety of the students is his top priority.
- Audubon Public Schools, Delanco Township Board of Education, Collingswood Public Schools, Ewing Public Schools, and Northern Burlington County Regional School District were recognized as Safety Districts of the Year for their ongoing contribution to safety efforts, each earning an additional $2,500 reward.
In all, forty-three (43) member school districts were recognized and received awards totaling $166,500.
Click Here to view the BCIP 2024 SOJ Dinner Presentation
Safety Star Winner Sandy Marlys, Magnolia BOE School Nurse with Rich Clement, Magnolia BOE Supervisor of Facilities
Safety Star Winner Robert Phillips, Southampton BOE Custodian with JIF Safety Director John Geitz
Safety District of the Year Small District Winners: Audubon Public Schools and Delanco Twp BOE
Safety District of the Year Large District Winners: Collingswood Public Schools, Ewing Public School, Northern Burlington County Regional School District
ACCASBO Celebrates at the State of the JIF Dinner
Each year, the Atlantic & Cape May Counties Association of School Business Officials Joint Insurance Fund (ACCASBO JIF) celebrates member school district successes at their Annual State of the Joint Insurance Fund Dinner. This special event serves as a platform to honor and reward the exceptional dedication shown by member districts in ensuring a safe and healthy environment for students, staff, and the community through active participation in risk management programs.
In all, twenty-five (25) member school districts were recognized and received awards totaling $109,000.
- Sarah Foley, Curriculum Supervisor of Estell Manor School District Received Safety Hero of the Year. Sarah saved a co-worker’s life by administering the Heimlich maneuver at a work event. Sarah’s ability to remain focused in such a stressful situation serves as a powerful reminder of how vital it is for organizations to prioritize safety training for all employees. Through Sarah Foley’s quick response and calm demeanor, a colleague’s life was saved, showcasing not only her professional skills but also her commitment to the safety and well-being of others.
- Anthony Poretto, Technology Coordinator of Hamilton Township School District received the Safety Star of the Year Award. Anthony’s efforts to improve the district’s technology infrastructure have resulted in substantial safety advancements. By implementing comprehensive network security protocols, user access controls, and surveillance enhancements, he has reduced vulnerabilities and safeguarded sensitive information against potential threats.
- Mainland Regional High School, Margate Board of Education and Northfield Board of Education were recognized as Safety Districts of the Year for their ongoing contribution to safety efforts, each earning an additional $2,500 reward.
Click Here to View the ACCASBO Award Presentation
Click Here to View Shore Local News Press Coverage
Safety Hero Winner Sarah Foley of Estell Manor City School District with Safety Director John Geitz
Safety Director John Geitz with Safety Star Winner Anthony Poretto of Hamilton Twp SD
JIF Safety Districts of the Year: Northfield BOE, Margate City BOE, Mainland Regional High School
SPELL Attends the 2024 NJSBA Workshop
The SPELL once again participated in the NJSBA Annual Workshop held in Atlantic City in October 2024. We enjoy attending the conference each year, and this year was no exception. It was a pleasure to meet members in person and to welcome all participants to our newly designed booth.
2024 SPELL JIF Joint Retreat
Our annual SPELL JIF Joint Retreat was yet another resounding success. The retreat featured a wide range of engaging sessions, including a discussion on Functional Capacity Exams, and Workers’ Compensation updates during Wednesday’s “Law Day” session. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to explore the topic of seeking legal advice in the session titled “Is it Time to Call my Solicitor?” The day concluded with an exciting game of SPELL Jeopardy, adding a touch of fun to the event.
Thursday’s agenda focused on reviewing the claims process, offering valuable insights through real-life examples from member School Districts. These examples showcased how districts can efficiently manage their claims process, ensuring that everyone remains well-informed about claim reporting procedures.
Friday’s sessions delved further into real-life cases, shedding light on how Safety 360 can play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of our schools. Notably, Beth Ann Coleman of Collingswood Schools delivered a timely presentation on the potential pitfalls of school district-issued devices without proper policies or procedures in place, emphasizing the risks they can pose.
We thank all participants and presenters for their active involvement, which has consistently contributed to the success of this retreat year after year.
Safety 360 Seminar – July 10, 2024
Safety 360° is a commitment to bringing our strongest minds together in collaboration to define risks, create multi-disciplined risk mitigation strategies and regularly revisit them to adjust to constantly changing risk profiles.
Presentations with Supplemental Materials:
What is Safety 360° Presentation
Managing Water Intrusions in Schools – Presentation with Handouts
Moving from Reactive to Predictive with IOT with Handouts
3rd Party Vetting – Presentation with Handouts
Safety 360° Water Intrusion Standard Operating Procedure Sample (WORD DOC)
GCSSD JIF Celebrates 25 Years at the 2023 State of the JIF Dinner
Each year, the Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem School Districts Joint Insurance Fund (GCSSD JIF) celebrates member school district successes at their Annual State of the Joint Insurance Fund Dinner. The dinner meeting is organized to reward and recognize the extraordinary efforts of member districts for their commitment to provide a safe and healthy environment for students, staff and community by actively participating in risk management programs.
Rewards were earned by Members who reduced the number of accidents by focusing on local safety efforts. Utilizing GCSSD JIF safety services, districts build and maintain responsive internal accident reporting systems. Member Districts were acknowledged for their hard work with recognition plaques and monetary awards.
- In all, twenty-three (23) member school districts were recognized and received awards totaling $94,500.
- Heather Mayhew, Business Administrator from Pennsville Public School District received the Safety Star of the Year Award. Heather is a leader within her school district and the GCSSD Joint Insurance Fund. She is a champion of risk management and safety, helping to guide and implement critical programs and policies to minimize losses in the district.
- Delsea Regional High School, Pennsville Public School District and Fairfield Township School District were each recognized as Safety District of the Year for their ongoing contribution to safety efforts, earning an additional $2,500 reward.
Safety Star Winner Heather Mayhew – Business Administrator from Pennsville with JIF Safety Director John Geitz
Safety District Winner Fairfield Twp School District Superintendent Dr. Ja’Shanna Jones Booker with JIF Safety Director John Geitz
Safety District Winner Delsea Regional HS Superintendent Dr. Piera Gravenor with JIF Safety Director John Geitz
Click Here to View the GCSSD 2023 SOJ Dinner Presentation
BCIP JIF Celebrates at the 2023 State of the JIF Dinner
Each year, the Burlington County Insurance Pool Joint Insurance Fund (BCIP JIF) celebrates member school district successes at their Annual State of the Joint Insurance Fund Dinner. The dinner meeting is organized to reward and recognize the extraordinary efforts of member districts for their commitment to provide a safe and healthy environment for students, staff and community by actively participating in risk management programs.
This year, 42 member school districts were recognized and received awards totaling $169,500.
- Amy Klouchek, Main Office Secretary from Shamong Township School District won the Safety Hero of the Year Award. Klouchek remained calm and professional while recording a violent caller who threatened physical harm to the school principal. Her quick thinking to record this aggressive individual led to his conviction and allowed the school to implement security protocols to keep district staff and students safe.
- Officer Kelley Horne, School Resource Officer from Eastampton Township BOE won the Safety Star of the Year Award. Officer Horne’s dedication extends beyond patrolling the school grounds and maintaining a police presence. She actively contributes to two district safety teams, which were established to ensure the safety of the school children and provide them with the best possible education. She is available 24/7 and epitomizes character and consistency. She is the model from which all SRO’s should be evaluated.
- Mount Ephraim BOE, Springfield Township BOE, Eastern Camden County Regional SD, Ewing Public Schools, and Lindenwold BOE were recognized as Safety Districts of the Year for their ongoing contribution to safety efforts, each earning an additional $2,500 reward.
Safety Hero Winner Amy Klouchek – Shamong Twp School District Main Office Secretary with Shamong Superintendent Dr. Christine Vespe
Safety Star Winner School Resource Officer Kelley Horne of Eastampton Twp BOE with Superintendent Ambrose F. Duckett, III
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- Springfield Superintendent Craig Vaughn with Mt Ephraim School Business Administrator Chris Eberly and Superintendent Michael Hunter
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- Safety District Winners Kathleen Huder, Lindenwold School BA with Dennis Nettleton Ewing School BA and Eastern Camden County Regional BA Ken Verrill
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- Jude Brown, Eastern CC Regional School Board President with Ken Verrill, Eastern Business Administrator
Click Here to View the BCIP 2023 SOJ Dinner Presentation
ACCASBO JIF Celebrates at the 2023 State of the JIF Dinner
Each year, the Atlantic & Cape May Counties Association of School Business Officials Joint Insurance Fund (ACCASBO JIF) celebrates member school district successes at their Annual State of the Joint Insurance Fund Dinner. This special event serves as a platform to honor and reward the exceptional dedication shown by member districts in ensuring a safe and healthy environment for students, staff, and the community through active participation in risk management programs. In this year’s gathering, a total of 26 member school districts were recognized for their outstanding efforts and were presented with well-deserved awards amounting to an impressive $108,000.
- Scott Wheeler, Facilities Manager of Egg Harbor City School District received the Safety Star of the Year Award. In addition to overseeing multiple large building projects, Scott Wheeler is fully committed to ensuring the safety of the school district’s staff, students, and community. He diligently conducts all safety inspections, provides assistance during emergency situations, and can always be relied upon whenever an urgent situation arises.
- Carol Bowen, Business Office Secretary of Hamilton Township School District also received the Safety Star of the Year Award. In addition to her role in managing the Board Office, Carol Bowen is responsible for handling all Workers’ Compensation matters, which is a daily task for her. Because of Carol’s diligence and follow-up, the Hamilton Township School District maintains a less than one day claim reporting time. Carol is an asset to the Hamilton Township School District and the ACCASBO Joint Insurance Fund.
- Brigantine Public School District, Estell Manor City School District, Hamilton Township School District, and Middle Township Board of Education were recognized as Safety Districts of the Year for their ongoing contribution to safety efforts, each earning an additional $2,500 reward.
Click Here for Shore News Today Press Coverage on Brigantine’s Award.
Click Here to View Press Coverage in the Brigantine Times Newspaper
Safety Star Winner Scott Wheeler- Facilities Manager of Egg Harbor City School District:
Hamilton Twp School District Business Administrator John Deserable with Safety Star Winner Carol Bowen and Superintendent Dr Jeffery Zito
Safety District of the Year Winner: Estell Manor Business Administrator Rose Millar with JIF Safety Director John Geitz
Safety District of the Year Winner – Middle Twp BOE
Safety District Winner Brigantine Public School District – Superintendent Glenn Robbins with School Business Administrator Jonathan Houdart and School Board President Frank Koch Jr
