Business Details
Insurance & Risk Management for Schools
San Mateo County School Insurance Group (SMCSIG) is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) dedicated to delivering comprehensive insurance programs and risk management services to school districts across San Mateo County. Established to provide cost-effective coverage and proactive loss prevention strategies, we specialize in property and liability insurance, workers' compensation, dental and vision programs, and specialized training initiatives. Our team combines decades of industry expertise with a deep commitment to public education, conducting annual safety inspections, playground assessments, and facility evaluations to mitigate risks.By leveraging advanced tools like Sentinel Occupational Software, we have significantly reduced workplace injuries and associated costs for member districts. Our mission emphasizes fiscal integrity while ensuring schools maintain safe environments for students, staff, and visitors. Through collaborative partnerships with member districts and the County Office of Education, we continuously refine our programs to address evolving challenges in educational risk management.
Services
Liability Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Workers Compensation
Unemployment Program
Employee Assistance Program
Loss Control Services
Safety Inspections
Risk Management Training
Facility Assessments
Highlights and features
- We provide specialized insurance programs tailored to educational institutions
- Our team conducts annual safety inspections for over 177 school buildings
- We've reduced workers' compensation losses by 53% through innovative programs
- Our staff includes experts with decades of experience in education and insurance
- We offer comprehensive loss control services including playground assessments
Services
Liability Insurance
Our liability insurance programs protect member schools against property damage and third-party injury claims. We provide comprehensive coverage for over 177 educational facilities while implementing proactive risk assessment strategies. Our team works closely with districts to identify potential hazards and implement mitigation measures that reduce claim frequency and severity.
Workers Compensation
We manage workers' compensation programs that ensure proper care for injured employees while minimizing financial impact. Our loss control specialists conduct facility inspections and safety training that reduced paid lost days by 53% through the Sentinel Occupational Software implementation. This approach saved the risk pool $1.9 million in claims costs.
Safety Inspections
Our safety inspection program evaluates at least 50% of member buildings annually, focusing on playground safety, building systems maintenance, and mold/water damage prevention. Certified inspectors generate detailed reports and work with districts to address maintenance issues that could lead to property losses or safety hazards.
Loss Control Services
We provide comprehensive loss control services including job safety analyses, OSHA compliance assistance, and customized safety training programs. Our team conducts over 80 facility inspections annually and helps schools develop effective risk mitigation strategies tailored to their specific operational needs.
Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program offers confidential counseling and support services for school staff. This initiative addresses personal and work-related challenges through professional counseling resources, helping maintain a healthy workforce while reducing stress-related absences and improving overall workplace productivity.
People
Tom Ledda
Executive Director
With over 30 years in plumbing and maintenance leadership, Tom directs safety inspections for 50% of member buildings annually. He previously served as Brisbane School District's Director of Maintenance and continues as a San Francisco City College baseball coach.
Sharon Vishwa
Deputy Executive Director
Sharon manages benefit programs and owner-controlled construction initiatives with 20+ years of claims management experience. She holds a Master's in Public Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University and oversees SMCSIG's financial and HR operations.
Tasha Lane
Property/Liability Claims Manager
Tasha handles property and liability claims with 25 years of private sector experience. A Bay Area native and former public school student, she earned her journalism degree from Eastern Michigan University and manages litigated claims with external counsel.
Don Freeman
Workers Compensation Manager
Don combines 25 years as a chiropractor and 10 years as a licensed contractor to lead our workers' compensation program. His implementation of Sentinel Occupational Software reduced lost workdays by 53% and saved $1.9 million in claims costs.
Raya Estares
Loss Control Analyst
Raya conducts facility inspections at 80+ sites annually and assists with OSHA compliance. With a UC Riverside economics degree and forensic research background, she tracks safety compliance and coordinates training schedules for member districts.
Questions
What insurance programs does SMCSIG offer?
We provide liability insurance, workers' compensation, dental and vision programs, unemployment coverage, and employee assistance programs specifically designed for educational institutions.
Which school districts does SMCSIG serve?
We serve all 23 school districts in San Mateo County plus the San Mateo County Office of Education, covering over 177 buildings and 11,000 employees.
How does SMCSIG help reduce school risks?
Our team conducts annual safety inspections, playground assessments, and facility evaluations while implementing loss control initiatives that have reduced workers' compensation costs by 53%.
What training resources are available?
We offer safety training programs, risk management workshops, and compliance assistance to help schools maintain safe environments and meet regulatory requirements.
How can schools access SMCSIG services?
Member districts receive direct support through our insurance programs, loss control services, and dedicated claims management team for property, liability, and workers' compensation matters.
