Employment practice claims in the education sector have become increasingly prevalent, posing significant financial and reputational risks. Providing educators with legal liability coverage to mitigate risks associated with school board employment practices is necessary for ensuring a fair, respectful, and legally compliant educational environment.

Read on for five effective strategies for mitigating risks, including obtaining adequate employment practices liability insurance coverage.

Mitigating Risks in School Board Employment Practices

Employment practice claims can emerge from various issues, including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and violation of employment laws. Understanding how to advise clients on ways to mitigate the risks is important.

1. Conduct Comprehensive Training Programs

School board officials must be trained on employment laws, regulations, and best practices. Training programs should cover anti-discrimination policies, harassment prevention, and proper protocols for hiring and termination. 

Ongoing education and professional development play a pivotal role in minimizing the likelihood of employment practice claims by ensuring all officials are well-informed and up-to-date on best practices and legal requirements.

2. Implement Robust Policies and Procedures

Clear, well-documented policies and procedures are the backbone of effective employment practices. Key policies should encompass equal employment opportunity, anti-discrimination, and whistleblower protection. Effectively communicating these policies through regular training and ensuring compliance are both necessary steps to safeguarding against potential claims.

3. Foster a Culture of Accountability and Transparency

Promoting accountability and transparency is fundamental to maintaining integrity within school board operations. Strategies include establishing clear communication channels, conducting regular performance evaluations, and protecting whistleblowers. Such a culture encourages ethical behavior and swift resolution of potential issues before they escalate into claims.

In addition, boards may want to add risk analysis to the systems they use to control important tasks, such as when bringing on new employees. Maintaining accurate records of when training occurs is also crucial.

4. Regularly Review and Update Policies to Reflect Legal and Regulatory Changes

The legal landscape concerning employment practices is continually evolving. School boards must stay abreast of these changes and regularly review and update their policies accordingly. Engaging legal counsel and other experts for policy reviews ensures school board practices remain compliant with current laws and regulations.

5. Obtain Adequate Employment Practices Liability Insurance Coverage

Employment practices liability insurance coverage is essential for school boards, offering protection against a range of employment practice claims. When selecting EPLI coverage, school boards should consider coverage limits, policy exclusions, and premium costs. Assessing coverage needs carefully ensures that the school board is adequately protected against potential claims.

Securing School Board Operations

Mitigating risks in school board employment practices is imperative for preventing employment practice claims. Insurance agents play a proactive role in this process, helping school boards to assess their risks, review and improve their policies and procedures, and recommend suitable insurance coverage. 

By adopting these strategies, school boards can create a more secure, compliant, and respectful working environment, ultimately enhancing the quality of education they provide. Contact us for more information on how to help your school board clientele with their employment practices liability insurance coverage.

About PGUI

Professional Governmental Underwriters, LLC., is a full-service risk management company dedicated to assisting public, educational, and non-profit entities in the management of their professional liability exposures, including educators liability insurance. We are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art professional underwriting management and loss control advisory services on behalf of our designated carriers. For more information, call us toll-free at (800) 586-6502.