A CULTURE OF ACCOUNTABILITY

When a tragic loss or injury occurs, the word “accountability” is frequently tossed around. Plaintiff’s attorneys ask the courts to award damages to their clients on the premise that it will make an organization “accountable” for the loss, but they are really just asking the court to assign

blame—followed quickly by punishment—in the form of a monetary award. Neither has much to do with accountability and frankly a court’s decision won’t create a culture of accountability in an organization that doesn’t already have one.

I think of accountability as the personal acceptance of responsibility as well as being answerable to those who have placed their trust in us. Accountability is probably the most powerful risk management tool an educational entity can employ. True accountability exists well before an accident happens, someone is hurt, or an employee is negligent. When organizations focus on creating a culture of personal responsibility, genuine concern for the other person, and open and honest ownership of results, accountability exists well before the plaintiff attorney is talking about it in court.

This culture of accountability within schools is why pooling works. Each member is not only responsible to its students, staff and the community that has placed its trust in it, but also to the community of other entities who make up the pool. Members know every dollar spent on claims stemming from someone who didn’t take personal responsibility for following a policy; assumed it was someone else’s duty to report malfeasance; or who was callous to someone in need, comes from the community well. Mistakes may be made, but the intent to safeguard those we are responsible for, and to, is always there and inspires us to remain ever vigilant.

At SELF, we willingly accept the responsibility for providing you with the most competitive and highest quality excess coverage available. And we ask each of you to hold us answerable to the trust you have placed in us for nearly 25 years. In the last quarter century, SELF has had both successes and failures. We know we won’t always get it right but we guarantee we won’t stop trying.
 NEWS
Want to increase your Optional Excess Liability Coverage? Or add OELP to your coverage?
Need assistance with emergency management? SELF's broker has a program that can help.
Know Your SELF - A quick fact sheet about SELF and its programs.

Member Spotlight - This quarter we feature San Luis Obispo County SIPE. Member Spotlight is a new feature in SELF Awareness designed to highlight innovative and successful risk management efforts in member agencies. If you know a district or college you'd like to see featured, contact us at info@selfjpa.org. Don't be afraid to nominate your own district!

 
 EVENTS

Polls for the 2009 SELF Board of Director's Election closed Friday, April 24. Ballots must be postmarked with that date in order to be valid. The ballots will be counted by Pacific Elections Services, Inc. and the results will be announced following the June 26 Board meeting. Any newly elected Board members will take office July 1.

Thank you to all our members who stopped by the SELF booth at the California Association of School Business Officials annual conference in San Diego April 7-9.

  
 WHAT'S NEW?
SELF Member 2009 Rate Letter 6/9/09
   
SELF Board Approves Rates for 2009/2010 6/3/09
   
SELF Board Plans for Future 1/30/09
   
Election Representative's Outline and Responsibilities 10/28/09