Director's Desk Archives

Investing in Michigan Students

July 18, 2025 Leave a comment Director's Desk Foundation

The SET SEG Foundation’s mission has remained clear and strong as it continues to support Michigan public school students through scholarships, leadership experiences, and school recognition programs. In 2024 and 2025, that mission continues to grow through expanded programs, increased student impact, and more opportunities than ever before.

Programs that Make a Difference

Today, the Foundation supports a wide range of impactful campaigns, including:

Skilled Trades Scholarships – Helping students enter high-demand trades
Leadership Camp Sponsorships – Funding student participation in the MASC/MAHS Summer Leadership Camp
Education Excellence Awards – Celebrating creative programs that support student success
Student Showcases – Partnering with MASC/MAHS to highlight school programs led by student voice

These programs help students overcome barriers by providing financial support, access to impactful experiences, and recognition that boosts confidence and motivation. Whether a student is pursuing a skilled trade, building leadership skills, or leading change in their community, the Foundation gives them the tools and encouragement to discover their strengths and take the next step toward a successful future.

Leadership Camp: Life-Changing Experiences

One shining example of the Foundation’s impact is its support of the MASC/MAHS Leadership Camp, sponsoring the participation of 65 students each year. Camp brings students from across the state together to develop their leadership skills, build relationships, and return home ready to make a difference.

Her story reflects what so many students gain from this experience: confidence, connection, and the tools to lead lasting change in their communities. Kara’s words show that the impact of Leadership Camp goes far beyond the week students spend there. When they return home, they bring new ideas, renewed energy, and a strong sense of purpose back to their schools. They step into leadership roles, start new initiatives, and inspire their peers to get involved. The camp does more than build leaders. It plants the seeds of positive change that transform school communities.

The Numbers Behind the Mission

In the last year alone, the SET SEG Foundation:

Awarded $78,000 in scholarships and grants
Reached students in 70 counties and awarded scholarships in 39 of them across Michigan
Funded 10 Education Excellence Award-winning programs
Partnered with educators to reach thousands of students across the state

These numbers help illustrate how the Foundation is reaching more students and deepening its impact where it matters most. Each dollar awarded creates access. Each county reached represents stronger community connections. Each recognized program helps raise the standard for what is possible in education. Together, these efforts form a broader movement of support, one that helps Michigan students feel prepared, encouraged, and valued every step of the way.

Why It Matters

In today’s educational landscape, where funding gaps remain and student needs are changing, the role of the SET SEG Foundation is more important than ever. Our donors, partners, and public-school community make this work possible. Together, we are investing in real people, real schools, and real futures.

Growing Opportunity for Michigan Students

July 18, 2025 Leave a comment Director's Desk Foundation

The SET SEG Foundation was built on the belief that public school students across Michigan deserve every opportunity to grow, lead, and succeed. As we look to the future, our focus remains the same, but our vision is expanding.

A Vision for the Next Decade

While the Foundation has traditionally focused on high school and elementary students, we’ve identified a key gap: middle schoolers. These students are at a crucial stage as they begin exploring who they are and where they’re headed, yet often lack targeted support. The Foundation is working to change that. By expanding programs for middle school students, we aim to help them build leadership skills, explore career paths, and grow confidence that will carry into high school and beyond.

Another area of focus is increasing opportunity in urban school districts, where students may face greater barriers to resources and support. The Foundation is committed to partnering with educators and community leaders to bring existing programs, and new ones, to more schools in Michigan’s urban centers.

The Path Forward

We know that the challenges facing public schools and students are real, but so are the opportunities. With the support of our donor community, we can continue to build a Foundation that responds, adapts, and leads with purpose.

Our strategy for the coming years includes increased donor outreach and deeper engagement with school leaders to understand emerging needs. Every step we take is designed to create greater impact for the people who matter most: students.

Join Us in What’s Next

This next chapter depends on all of us. We can all help grow the SET SEG Foundations impact in meaningful ways:

Become a recurring donor to ensure students across Michigan continue to have access to life-changing programs.
Share stories from your school or community that show how SET SEG Foundation programs have made a difference. If you or someone you know has been impacted by a scholarship, leadership experience, or school award, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at https://setseg.org/about-us/contact-us to share your story.
If you are a past recipient, we hope the experience continues to shape your journey. Please consider staying connected to the Foundation’s mission by supporting future opportunities for students.
Partner with us to bring new ideas to life and expand opportunities for students throughout the state.

Every contribution, whether it is a donation, a story, or a new idea, helps shape the future of Michigan education.

To support our work, visit here and make a gift today. Your generosity helps students discover their potential and communities thrive.

Building the Foundation

July 18, 2025 Leave a comment Director's Desk Foundation

For over two decades, the SET SEG Foundation has supported Michigan’s educational community by uplifting students, recognizing educators, and investing in the future of education.

Where It All Began

From its earliest days, the vision behind the Foundation was simple but powerful: give back to Michigan public schools and create meaningful opportunities for students, especially those facing economic barriers or from under-resourced communities. Guided by this mission, the Foundation began with thoughtful, intentional steps, identifying ways to repurpose funds and reinvest them into programs that would make a real difference.

MISSION

With its mission to enable students to pursue enrichment opportunities that advance learning, leadership, and civic responsibility, the Foundation remains committed to providing services, scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial support directly to Michigan public schools and students.

Education Excellence Awards, the Foundation’s first major initiative, to recognize and support schools doing exceptional work for students. This program set the tone for the Foundation’s mission, demonstrating the power of supporting schools and students with the tools and encouragement to lead.
Then sponsoring student attendance for the MASC/MAHS Summer Leadership Camp, where students from across Michigan come together to build confidence, practice communication, and return to their schools ready to lead and inspire positive change.
And more recently providing Skilled Trades Scholarships to support students exploring hands-on, practical career paths.

Today, its impact extends across dozens of counties, reaching more students every year and helping schools build stronger, more supportive communities.

Laying the Foundation for the Future

From the beginning, the Foundation prioritized equity by funding scholarships, celebrating school-led innovation, and offering leadership opportunities to students across Michigan. This commitment to inclusion and opportunity has helped the Foundation grow its reach and impact year after year.

As we look back on more than 20 years of service, we celebrate the people who helped bring the Foundation to life. That includes early champions like Chuck Miller, one of the Foundation’s original trustees, who played a key role in shaping its vision and purpose. Chuck believed deeply that young people are our future and that investing in them is essential to helping them succeed. Alongside him were SET SEG leaders who saw an opportunity to invest in something greater. Board members and staff worked behind the scenes to turn bold ideas into real programs, and educators and community members championed the Foundation’s mission in their schools, united by a shared belief that every student deserves a fair shot.

We are celebrating more than just a span of time. We are recognizing years of meaningful growth, fueled by a desire to make a lasting difference. The Foundation expanded not just because the need was great, but because people stepped up to meet that need. Donors, board members, educators, and partners all played a role. They gave their time, shared their resources, and found creative ways to fund scholarships, develop new student experiences, and recognize innovation in education.

Donate Today!

UMatter Week: Fostering Mental Health Awareness and Community at Royal Oak Schools

March 25, 2025 Leave a comment Director's Desk Foundation

In March, four dedicated school counselors from Royal Oak Schools proudly accepted a $2,500 check as part of the Education Excellence Awards. This recognition celebrates UMatter Week, a program that has made a profound impact on students and the broader community.

What Is UMatter Week?

UMatter Week is an annual initiative designed to promote mental health awareness, foster resilience, and strengthen the school community. Built on the belief that mental well-being is just as vital as academic achievement, the program ensures that students, teachers, and staff feel supported, valued, and connected.

Led by school counselors Samantha Ellis, Carrie Laurence, Michael Betman, and Jim Bowker, UMatter Week provides students with essential mental health education, practical coping strategies, and a safe space for open conversations.

“This is our third year hosting UMatter Week at Royal Oak Middle School (ROMS), and it’s an honor each time,” said Laurence. “As coordinators, our role is to create activities that allow students to learn more about themselves and mental health.”

A Week of Purposeful Themes

Each day of the week is centered around a different theme, such as:

Self-care: Encouraging students to prioritize their own well-being.
Empathy: Building understanding and compassion for others.
Kindness: Promoting positive actions and peer support.
Mindfulness: Teaching strategies to stay present and manage stress.
Gratitude: Fostering appreciation and strengthening relationships.

These themes are integrated into classroom lessons, school-wide activities, and community outreach efforts, reinforcing the importance of mental health in everyday life.

Creating a Lasting Impact

The influence of UMatter Week extends beyond the classroom, benefiting students, teachers, and the larger community.

For students, the program cultivates a sense of belonging and self-worth, reducing stigma and empowering students to seek help when needed. “One of the best parts of working on UMatter Week is seeing how it brings students together,” Laurence said. “It’s amazing to watch students uplift each other and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health.”

For teachers, the initiative fosters a supportive school culture, equipping staff with tools to model positive mental health practices and recognize when students may need additional support.

For the broader community, UMatter Week strengthens connections between the school and local mental health resources, involving parents and community members in creating a strong support network for students.

“UMatter Week is more than just an event,” Laurence said, “it’s an essential part of the culture at ROMS, promoting mental health as a shared priority for all.”

Looking to the Future

While UMatter Week serves as an important focal point, the ultimate goal is to keep mental health awareness an ongoing conversation throughout the year. However, sustaining and expanding the program requires continued time and resources.

Thanks to grants like the SET SEG Foundation’s Education Excellence Awards, UMatter Week can continue to grow – expanding student engagement, introducing new resources, and strengthening community partnerships. Future plans include:

Growing student leadership and involvement.
Enhancing community collaboration.
Developing a digital platform for mental health resources.

With these initiatives, Royal Oak Schools will continue to prioritize mental health and well-being as a core component of school culture.

Because at its heart, UMatter Week is built on a simple yet powerful message: You matter – unconditionally. And you matter to someone else.

How a Popular Radio Program Inspired Unique Community Storytelling

March 25, 2025 Leave a comment Director's Desk Foundation

At a Grant Public Schools board meeting in March, Principal Carol Dawson and Assistant Principal Travis Devos proudly accepted a $2,500 check as part of the Education Excellence Awards, recognizing a program that has had a profound impact on their students and community.

Born out of a desire to reconnect with students after the isolating effects of COVID-19, the program uses short, engaging videos shared 2-3 times per week to strengthen relationships, reinforce positive behaviors, and celebrate the community.

A Creative Approach to Connection

During the height of the pandemic, Dawson and Devos were searching for new ways to engage students beyond the classroom. As in-person learning resumed, they still felt the need to foster stronger connections with students from kindergarten through fourth grade.

Inspired by Free Beer & Hot Wings, a nationally syndicated radio show, they put their own school-friendly twist on the name. “Since we offer free lunch and breakfast at our schools, we came up with the name Free Milk & Nuggets,” said Dawson.

The concept was simple but effective: Meet students where they are – on YouTube. Recognizing how integral the platform had become for learning and entertainment, Dawson and Devos embraced it as a tool to connect in a fun and memorable way. With Dawson as “Milk” and Devos as “Nugget,” they started filming, and the students quickly bought in.

“Now our students are teaching us the lingo – don’t forget to hit that subscribe button,” joked Devos.

How It Works

Each video is unique, blending education with humor, storytelling, and real-world experiences. To expand students’ understanding of their community, Free Milk & Nuggets is often filmed at locations throughout town, giving them a virtual look at places they may not have explored before.

Students have visited the local food pantry, grocery store, bank, school bus garage, sporting fields, and even the state capitol in Lansing. These segments help students see themselves as part of a larger community, broadening their understanding of the world around them.

“It’s completely changed our relationship with our students,” said Dawson. “Because they can see us being silly, they view us as caring adults, not just authority figures. We want to be their go-to people in the school alongside our teachers.”

By combining entertainment with education, Free Milk & Nuggets has become more than just a morning announcement – it’s a celebration of learning, connection, and community.

A Meaningful Impact

The program’s impact extends far beyond the screen. Students gain a fun and engaging way to learn school expectations, discover local resources, and feel connected to trusted adults. Teachers benefit from a tool that reinforces classroom lessons and strengthens school culture. And for the broader community, the program serves as a bridge, promoting local organizations and their role in supporting students.

“My favorite part of this program is how it has changed interactions in the hallways,” shared Devos. “The students see me differently – I’m more approachable. In the past, the kindergartners wouldn’t come up to me, but now I’m Nugget to them and they’re excited to engage.”

Dawson echoed this sentiment. “From a leadership perspective, this is now a shared experience for all our students. They all connect through Milk and Nugget and share that common bond with our community. To be an effective leader in education, you have to show humility and a little bit of silliness to build those relationships.”

Looking Ahead

The ultimate goal of Free Milk & Nuggets is to foster a sense of belonging and strengthen social-emotional connections for Grant Public Schools’ students and beyond. But, sustaining and growing the program requires time and resources.

Thanks to grants like the SET SEG Foundation’s Education Excellence Awards, the program is evolving. “Our recent investment in equipment to build an announcement studio is a big step toward inviting students to participate in filming, content creation, editing, blogging, and podcasting,” said Dawson. “This initiative will enhance creativity and hands-on learning, giving students valuable skills and deeper engagement.”

And the impact won’t stop in Grant. Dawson and Devos plan to share their model with fellow principals and school administrators throughout Michigan, hoping to inspire similar programs in other districts.

“Principals often operate in silos so often, but we’ve proven there are creative ways to connect with students and make an even bigger impact – both inside and outside the school walls,” said Dawson.

#SETSEGStaff: Kyle Kast

February 3, 2025 Leave a comment #SETSEGStaff Director's Desk

Meet Kyle Kast, SET SEG’s Senior Communications Strategist and a driving force behind our storytelling and brand messaging. Kyle plays a key role in crafting engaging content that connects with our members, ensuring that SET SEG’s mission and services are communicated effectively. With a keen eye for strategy and a passion for impactful storytelling, he helps shape the voice of our organization across various platforms.

His background in education and communications has equipped him with the skills to turn complex information into clear, compelling narratives. Whether he’s refining messaging, creating engaging content, or collaborating with teams across the organization, Kyle’s expertise and creativity make him an invaluable part of SET SEG.

Q&A: Kyle Kast

Q: What is your role at SET SEG?

My work at SET SEG is divided into two areas: communications and operations. I write and revise much of the organization’s longer-form written content, from our Member Advantage publication to the Member Minute newsletter to any informational emails sent to our members.

I also coordinate day-to-day operations in the Marketing Department, managing our ticket system, tracking marketing and communications needs throughout the year, and assigning tasks to team members.

Q: Why SET SEG?

I used to teach writing at the community college level, but I ultimately left to pursue communications opportunities in the private sector. After managing a communications and marketing team at a small tech company for several years, I wanted to leverage my experience in a space that I actually cared about.

I have been intertwined with education, particularly public schools, my whole life. My mother was an English teacher at Holt High School for decades and many of my family and friends have been educators and administrators at different points in their lives. When I went on the hunt for an opportunity that aligns with my values, I explicitly sought out positions that support educators.

I quickly discovered SET SEG, staffed by former educators and administrators, directly supporting the safety and security of Michigan public schools. I didn’t set out to pursue a career with a risk management organization, but I’m happy to now be working for a company that puts educators and students first.

Q: What do you like about your job?

I appreciate the opportunities to impact my team, SET SEG, and Michigan public schools as a whole. When crises occur, like freezing weather or cyberattacks, I often work alongside SET SEG experts, gathering their knowledge and recommendations and getting that information out to our members as quickly as possible.

On the other side of my job, I’m constantly working to keep operations consistent and effective, ensuring our talented marketing team members have everything they need to perform at their best possible level.

Q: What does working at SET SEG mean to you?

It might seem like I’m spewing marketing rhetoric, but it’s true – working at SET SEG means working with a group of talented, passionate individuals who are wholly committed to our mission of supporting Michigan public schools. We’re all working together to keep your roofs intact and students safe.

Thinking back on my time as an educator, I’m grateful to be at an organization that truly understands the needs of districts across the state. I admittedly felt some regret leaving the education industry a decade ago for a career in communications – pulling away from a position I devoted years of my own education to. Since being hired at SET SEG, I’ve felt as though things have come full circle. I’m still using the skills I’ve honed over years of marketing and communications but doing so to support the world I once sought to live and operate in.

Q: How do you feel like you make an impact through SET SEG?

I help maintain SET SEG’s unified messaging and keep the marketing and communications trains running on time. I could write newsletters and coordinate marketing operations anywhere. But here, I get to support something I care deeply about, while honing my skills and growing professionally.

#SETSEGStaff: Mary Schraft

November 26, 2024 Leave a comment #SETSEGStaff Director's Desk

Meet Mary Schraft, SET SEG’s friendly and welcoming receptionist. Mary is the first person people see when they visit our office and often the first voice they hear when they call. She brings a warm and positive energy to our workplace, making her an integral part of our team. Her path to this position is an interesting one – Mary previously worked as an X-ray technician at what was then called the SET SEG Family Healthcare Center. Transitioning to this new role has allowed her to bring her commitment to helping others into a different setting, where she continues to make an impact every day.

Q&A: Mary Schraft

Q: What is your role at SET SEG?

I am often the first point of contact, whether saying good morning and having the coffee going for co-workers or answering the phone and greeting visitors when they arrive. I ensure every guest, employee, and caller feels welcomed and cared for from the moment they interact with SET SEG.

Q: What do you like about your job?

For me, it’s all about the people! I like sitting at my desk every day and experiencing the camaraderie with those I work with – both in good times and bad. I see everyone working together, all towards the same purpose, and accomplishing what they set out to do. I also like being the person others can count on when an extra hand is needed.

Q: What does working at SET SEG mean to you?

I really enjoyed my time in the field of healthcare. But at this stage of my life, doing something different and working for an organization that values every single employee and member, is truly a blessing. I am so grateful for this opportunity to work here every day.

Q: How do you feel like you make an impact through SET SEG?

When asked about how she makes an impact, Mary humbly replied: “I’m not sure how I make an impact. You guys do all the hard work!”

But we know Mary’s impact is felt every day. From her warm greetings to her willingness to go above and beyond, Mary helps create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors or calls our office.

Thank you, Mary, for everything you do to support SET SEG and for being the smiling face representing us so well!

#SETSEGStaff: Kristen Finkbeiner

November 7, 2024 Leave a comment #SETSEGStaff Director's Desk

Meet Kristen Finkbeiner, our dedicated compensation and benefits administrator here at SET SEG! This open enrollment season, she’s playing a crucial role in guiding our own team members through the enrollment process, ensuring they make the best choices for their unique needs.

In any organization, having someone in this role is essential for navigating the complexities of benefits and making sure employees feel supported. With her expertise and hands-on support, Kristen is helping SET SEG employees understand their options and take full advantage of the comprehensive benefits we offer. Her commitment mirrors our mission of providing clear, knowledgeable support to all those we serve.

Q&A: Kristen Finkbeiner

Q: What is your role at SET SEG?

As a Human Resources team member, I approach each day with a servant’s heart. My goal is to be available and offer support to our staff members so they can focus on serving our members.

Q: What do you like about your job?

I enjoy that my role has a large scope of responsibilities including benefits, compensation, recruitment, compliance, and everything in between! No two days are ever the same which keeps things exciting and busy!

Q: What does working at SET SEG mean to you?

Putting schools first, working as a team, and simplifying the complex those – values really come to life in everything we do here. I’m grateful to work alongside such talented people who truly embody these values every day. Being part of that mission and seeing it in action is incredibly rewarding.

Q: How do you feel like you make an impact through SET SEG?

Serving Michigan public schools is our specialty. Being an outlet for our staff members during the good times and bad so they can focus on serving our members gives my role purpose. Human resources has always been a passion of mine because it allows me to serve others.

Q: Can you share your journey at SET SEG and how your career has evolved?

As I approach my 12th anniversary with SET SEG, it’s incredible to look back on the experiences and opportunities I’ve had throughout my career. After holding multiple roles in the Employee Benefits division and now being part of the HR team, I feel truly grateful for the support I’ve received from my coworkers and leaders. Their encouragement has allowed me to grow my skills and knowledge in ways I never would have anticipated, pushing me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new challenges.

#SETSEGStaff – Isaac Updike

September 26, 2024 Leave a comment #SETSEGStaff Director's Desk

For Michigan public schools, staying compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can be complex and challenging. ACA tracking and reporting require careful monitoring of employee hours, benefits eligibility, and adherence to federal healthcare mandates. Public schools, with their large and diverse workforces — often including part-time staff — face the added difficulty of ensuring accurate reporting to avoid costly penalties while also offering affordable healthcare to eligible employees.

That’s where SET SEG’s ACA Tracking & Reporting team steps in. Meet Isaac Updike, our ACA Data Analyst, who plays a pivotal role in helping our member districts navigate these challenges and maintain ACA compliance.

Q&A: Isaac Updike

Q: What is your role at SET SEG?

I oversee or maintain our ACA software. Essentially, I make sure the lights stay on – fixing bugs, providing analytical resources to our team, and also monitoring compliance among our membership.

Q: What do you like about your job?

What I love most about my job is the people and the culture here at SET SEG. It’s a genuinely friendly and collaborative environment where everyone’s ideas are welcome, and teamwork is a big part of what we do. It makes the workplace enjoyable, and I’ve built some great relationships along the way. We’ve had a lot of fun get-togethers, and many of my coworkers have become lifelong friends.

What sets SET SEG apart is that the culture isn’t just a buzzword – it’s something that’s truly lived every day. Leadership is approachable and always open to hearing ideas, and from day one, I’ve felt like my voice is valued.

On top of that, the mission here is something I’m proud to be part of. Having come from a large corporate insurance environment, the focus there was on profit. Here, we’re focused on serving public schools, which is close to my heart as a public school graduate. It’s rewarding to know that the work we do makes a real difference.

Q: What does working at SET SEG mean to you?

Working at SET SEG means a lot to me for two reasons. Professionally, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the work I do makes a real difference. I have no ethical concerns about the work we do here – we’re genuinely helping public schools. When a school comes to us facing a fine for compliance, and we’re able to negotiate it down or put a strategy in place to prevent future issues, it’s rewarding to see the positive impact we have.

And personally, it provides a sense of security. The benefits package here gives me peace of mind, allowing me to focus on what matters most without the worries that many people face. I can take time off to visit my family out of state and have access to affordable healthcare.

Q: How do you feel like you make an impact through SET SEG?

The impact I make at SET SEG goes beyond just helping schools avoid fines. We work closely with districts to create benefit plans that not only meet their employees’ needs but also comply with the law. What I do is take the burden off school leadership by using my expertise to manage these complex tasks.

This allows business managers and superintendents to focus on what truly matters – educating students and supporting staff – while we handle the behind-the-scenes work to ensure everything runs smoothly. It’s rewarding to know that our support makes their jobs easier.

Q: What do you wish others knew about SET SEG’s ACA Tracking & Reporting service?

What I wish more people knew about SET SEG’s ACA Tracking & Reporting service is that we’re not just a software tool – we’re also a trusted advisor on ACA compliance. While our tools are great for generating reports, we offer so much more. We provide personalized resources and work closely with our members to ensure they understand their obligations and stay compliant. We want schools to know we’re here to help them navigate these complex requirements.

For non-members, it’s important to understand that ACA enforcement can be tricky. It’s surprisingly easy to fall out of compliance without realizing it, and some districts may not even know there’s an issue until they receive a fine years later. Whether you work with us or another benefits advisor, it’s crucial to check in and ensure you’re following the right procedures to avoid unexpected penalties.

#SETSEGStaff – Marc Ramsey

September 18, 2024 Leave a comment #SETSEGStaff Director's Desk Property/Casualty Workers' Compensation

At SET SEG, our claims department plays a crucial role in supporting school districts when unexpected events arise. Unlike an insurance company, our Property/Casualty Pool is a collective of school districts that share risks and resources to ensure tailored protection. And with claims ranging from storm damage to liability concerns, it’s imperative we have the expertise on staff to guide school districts through some of their worst days.

Property/Casualty Claim Manager, Marc Ramsey, is at the forefront of ensuring our members receive timely assistance and guidance. His commitment to assisting schools in navigating the challenges that come with reporting and handling an incident is a testament to the vital work we do for Michigan’s educational community.

Q&A: Marc Ramsey

Q: What is your role at SET SEG?

As Claims Manager in the PC Claims Department, I am fortunate to work with an outstanding group of claims professionals. My role is to oversee, assist, and support our Claim Representatives in the day-to-day handling of the claims we receive, and to assist our members with questions on current or potential claims.

I help the team with any questions on coverage, claim investigation, and resolutions, monitoring performance to ensure we’re providing excellent claim service to our members.

Q: What do you like about your job?

I take great pride in helping schools solve problems and navigate the complexities of a claim. When a school district experiences a loss — whether it’s a damaged bus or a building — we work hard to ensure a smooth, efficient claims process. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in guiding a member through a challenging situation and seeing them come out the other side.

I also value the opportunity to collaborate with the entire PC Claims team to find solutions that ultimately benefit our member school districts. We really do stand by SET SEG’s core value to simplify the complex.

Q: What does working at SET SEG mean to you?

It’s simple – working at SET SEG means helping public schools. I recently helped a member with what was a fairly routine issue for us, but it was weighing heavily on their mind. We were able to resolve the situation quickly and their gratitude stuck with me. Those are the moments that really make my job fulfilling.

Q: How do you feel like you make an impact through SET SEG?

I believe public education is a critical function in our society. When our team can assist a member with a claim situation and handle that problem for them, that allows the member to focus on their primary task of educating students.

In a traditional insurance claim department, the staff will handle and pay claims. Here at SET SEG, we do so much more. We answer questions about potential claims and coverage issues about contracts with vendor partners, or any other issue they’re dealing with that may result in a claim.