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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.

Clark Mathes, Director of Buildings & Grounds, Voorhees Twp BOE received the Safety Star of the Year Award.

Matthew Konowicz, Director of Instruction, Northern Burlington County received the Safety Star of the Year Award.

Magnolia PS, Shamong Township SD, Eastern Camden County RSD, and Haddon Township BOE 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-four (44) member school districts were recognized and received awards totaling $171,500.

Click Here to view the BCIP 2025 SOJ Dinner Presentation

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. 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.

In all, 27 member school districts were recognized and received awards totaling $126,500.

1. Beatrice Jenkins, Galloway Township PS – Safety Hero: On Monday, September 8th, Beatrice Jenkins, a Classroom Assistant at Galloway Township Public Schools, heroically saved a 7th-grade student from choking during lunch by performing the Heimlich maneuver. Thanks to her swift response, the student recovered quickly without requiring further medical intervention. Mrs. Jenkins’ courage and presence of mind exemplify her commitment to student safety and well-being. Her actions reflect dedication to creating safe and nurturing school environments.

2. Keith Nelson, Greater Egg Harbor Regional HSD – Safety Star: Keith Nelson demonstrates exceptional leadership by improving safety efforts across the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District. Keith organized critical training programs, including Forklift Training and Lift and Ladder Safety, ensuring the staff is equipped to prevent accidents and work safely. Additionally, Keith established a district safety committee, creating its mission, goals, and agenda to promote everyday safety awareness among staff and administration. His efforts in overseeing safety protocols during the district’s referendum project further highlight his commitment to maintaining a secure environment for students and staff.

3. Avalon BOE, Margate City BOE, Stone Harbor BOE, Greater Egg Harbor Regional HSD, and Middle Township BOE 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 

Safety District Winners: Margate, Greater Egg RSD, Middle Township, Avalon and Stone Harbor:

This year’s seminar featured a range of topics including an interactive tabletop exercise with strategies for managing water intrusion in schools, and an insightful presentation on the emerging threat of “Deepfake” technology. Click the links below to view the seminar presentations and materials.

Safety 360° Seminar Agenda 2025

• Safety 360 and Sensor Program – Rick Hillman and Scott Tennant
• Deepfakes and AI by Jill Ostrove, Esq, VP ePlace Solutions

Kickoff Scroll

AI Deepfake Scroll

SAVES Flyer

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.

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

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

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.