Director's Desk Archives

5 Reasons to Work with SET SEG

Q: Why SET SEG?
A: We’re NOT Your Typical Insurance Company

We are a risk management partner comprised of public schools—not a for-profit corporation.

Our members are part of a Property/Casualty Pool and a Workers’ Compensation Fund, meaning member districts are our shareholders. This also means the premium we collect belongs to our members, so when a surplus exists, those funds are given back in the form of net asset returns and premium reductions. Additionally, we provide Employee Benefit services to help our member districts take control of their healthcare costs and identify creative solutions to provide employees with high-quality benefits options.

Protecting public schools is a risky endeavor, and in Michigan, where the summers are short and the winters are freezing, providing affordable and quality coverage can be a challenge.

As our schools face these challenges, we like to remind them one thing: they’re not alone.

From our corporate programs and workplace culture to our philanthropic efforts through the Foundation, SET SEG sets itself apart in the insurance industry by putting schools first and employing talent with that same mindset.

5 Reasons to Work With SET SEG

1. We Encourage Professional Growth

Career growth is a journey, and whether that looks like a lateral move, a promotion, or even completely shifting departments, SET SEG works to foster an environment that allows employees to learn and grow as their career vision evolves.

By providing exposure to all facets of the insurance industry across the organization and relying strongly on collaboration, our team is offered opportunities to venture beyond their initial job description, whether that be through professional development, establishing new networking connections, or gaining experience in a different facet of the industry.

“In my experience at SET SEG, the organization truly invests in the person and not just the job that person is filling,” said Emorie Bond, former intern and now SET SEG Marketing Coordinator. “If you show interest and aptitude in other areas of the business, there are opportunities to explore options beyond your current position.”

2. We Are A Team

At SET SEG, everyone is working toward the same goal – to put Michigan’s public schools first. With less than 100 employees serving schools throughout the state, our close-knit staff have become a part of the education communities in which they work. Many of them were even former employees of the school districts they work with now.

“When I was a superintendent, I wish I had known just how much support and expertise SET SEG has and how well protected our school district was because we were a member of their programs,” said Greg Gray, Employee Benefits Sales Manager. “This organization is different because schools are all we do. From its creation more than 50 years ago to now, the people at SET SEG have committed their time, expertise, and resources into helping schools succeed.”

3. We Reinvest in Michigan Communities

In almost every aspect of our organization, we give back monetarily to our member school districts, and not just in our work collectively. Each department gets to see firsthand how Michigan’s public schools benefit from what we do every day, offering our employees a level of fulfillment not always prevalent in the insurance industry.

“I love that the work I do helps to affordably protect public schools from the risks they are facing on a daily basis, in turn allowing them to focus more on what matters most – educating the students of Michigan,” said Stephanie Anderson, SET SEG Underwriting and Loss Control Manager.

Click here to view 12 ways we give back and how this philosophy fits into our core values as a company.

4. We Prioritize Relationships Over Revenue

For SET SEG, building trust and lasting relationships with school administrators comes first over making the sale. In fact, it’s so ingrained in our workplace culture, we often employ former school district employees to ensure we continue to deliver the resources and guidance our members are looking for.

“For those of us in sales at SET SEG, we aren’t working for a commission,” said Paul Grienke, Insurance Education Specialist. “For us, it’s about putting the time into learning what a school district’s unique needs are and establishing that relationship with the administrators, so we have their trust in delivering the services and resources they need when they need them.”

5. We Offer Opportunity

SET SEG nurtures a culture of engagement. Employees’ voices are heard, and work exists on a collaborative plain. If you’re interested in joining the team in supporting Michigan’s public schools, click to view job opportunities available now!

SET SEG Makes the List: Best Places to Work

To deliver on all five of the elements listed here that sets SET SEG apart from others in the industry, we rely heavily on feedback – from school administrators, from our public schools, and from our employees.

We’re proud to have been included on Business Insurance’s Best Places to Work list every year since 2018 and plan to continue operating as an organization that values its employees and members every day.

SET SEG Supports New Talent in the Insurance Industry

May 4, 2023 Leave a comment Director's Desk Featured Loss Control Property/Casualty Workers' Compensation

As an employer in the insurance industry, SET SEG believes that supporting students’ education is the key to building a successful future for the insurance industry by curating a strong talent pipeline. AmTrust Financial reports that the industry employment trends suggest a potential insurance talent crisis as retirement approaches for older workers with no one to replace them.

To address this issue, the SET SEG Insurance and Risk Management Scholarship was created. In honor of Alan Fergin, a valued SET SEG team member for nearly 40 years, this scholarship was designed to provide assistance and resources for students pursuing higher education in principles of insurance, risk management, and mitigation practices.

“At SET SEG we understand the importance and value of supporting and fostering new talent,” said Tim Averill, Executive Director of SET SEG. “We are passionate about investing in the future of the insurance industry and equipping young professionals with resources to further their education.”

The Insurance and Risk Management Scholarship awards qualifying students pursuing careers in the industry $1,000 to those attending community college and $2,500 to those attending a four-year university per academic year. The scholarship can be renewed for up to a total of four academic years to be used for insurance-related program educational costs such as tuition, books, and other class materials.

Renewal Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to our three 2023 Insurance and Risk Management Scholarship renewal winners! Previous scholarship winners who are continuing higher education in insurance and risk management are eligible to renew their scholarships for another academic year.

Neveah Reasoner of Mason, Michigan has renewed her scholarship for her second year of education at Ferris State University.
Miguel Solis of Lansing, Michigan renewed his scholarship for his second year at Michigan State University.
Carter Cappon of Hastings, Michigan has renewed his scholarship for his fourth year at Olivet College.

Five Michigan Students Receive 2023 Insurance and Risk Management Scholarship

Asia St. John graduated from Leslie Public Schools and the Wilson Talent Center in Mason, Michigan. As a first-generation college student, she is excited about the opportunities the insurance industry brings and plans to learn multiple roles in the field. St. John is receiving $2,500 to use toward further education in insurance and risk management.

Chasity Johnson, a mother of five, has returned to school to pursue a more fulfilling career path in the insurance industry, following her passion to help others. “I also hope this inspires my kids to always go after their dream no matter what age they are,” she shared. Johnson is receiving $1,000 toward her education at Lansing Community College.

Ramon Lopez is a high school senior at Lansing Public Schools whose interest in the field was piqued through an insurance basics class. He looks forward to bringing his strong work ethic and passion to learn into the insurance industry. Lopez is receiving $1,000 toward her education at Lansing Community College.

Fowler native Macy Gibbons discovered insurance through classes at Eaton RESA in high school, sparking her desire to pursue insurance and risk management as well as claims investigation in college. “I enjoy insurance because it is an important industry that will never fade, and I love being able to provide support to other people during hard times.” Gibbons is receiving $2,500 to use toward further education in insurance and risk management.

Isabella Seger-Wagasy comes from a family of insurance agents who has inspired her to pursue education in the field with the hope of one day taking over the family business. She plans to study abroad in Europe to learn from a variety of international insurance companies and hopes to guide young professionals in the future through involvement in young insurance agent groups. Seger-Wagasy will receive $2,500 to use toward further education in insurance and risk management.

#SETSEGStaff – Lynn Revoldt

April 10, 2023 Leave a comment #SETSEGStaff Director's Desk

SET SEG is happy to announce the arrival of Lynn Revoldt, Director of Employee Benefits Client Services. With an extensive employee benefits background, Revoldt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to SET SEG, and we are excited to add her industry expertise to our organization.

Revoldt has more than 30 years of experience serving in various employee benefits roles, ranging from claims analyst and benefits administrator to operations manager and director of operations. Prior to joining SET SEG, Revoldt provided employee benefits solutions in a variety of organizations, and she is excited to apply her experience and expertise to helping Michigan’s public schools.

Now, as SET SEG’s Director of Employee Benefits Client Services, Revoldt directs the overall design, implementation, strategy, and administration of SET SEG’s employee benefit services programs. This position ensures that SET SEG services and plans adhere to current regulations and supports the organization’s strategic initiatives through collaboration with SET SEG leadership and other departments.

Women In Leadership

At SET SEG fostering growth in leadership is key to ensuring the organization’s values are upheld at every level of service. With a diverse set of leadership styles heading our organization, we’re excited to welcome Revoldt to our team of strong women leaders advocating for our members – Michigan’s public schools.

Q&A: Lynn Revoldt

Q: What advice would you give to women entering this industry?
A: Have faith and grace in yourself and others. It is up to you to recognize your own worth, share your knowledge, and support yourself and those around you. Hard work is important but so is the intelligence with which you perform the service – and never forget to have grace. There is nothing as satisfying as helping someone grow and making a long-term difference.

Q: Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.
A: I have always believed that Leadership is more than a position or a title – it is a skill and a mindset that must be constantly developed through an unending process of self-study, education, and experience. A positive attitude is such an important part of the overall equation and integrity is key.

As a leader, I will offer direction through mentorship, collaboration, and continual support to our team. The existence of unified goals will assist us in our efforts to work enthusiastically towards objectives and provide a consistent and coherent process to help achieve our organizational goals.

Q: What are you looking forward to most in your role at SET SEG?
A: I look forward to being part of an organization that can really make a difference – an organization that puts supporting Michigan Public Schools first on every agenda.

This team operates to serve others by simplifying the complex and must keep up with, and stay on top of, a constantly changing environment. To have this opportunity to be part of the Employee Benefits Team that strives to concentrate on these important issues each and every day is truly exhilarating and I am looking forward to each new challenge as a member of the team.

2023 MSAFE Award Winners

March 21, 2023 Leave a comment Director's Desk Property/Casualty Workers' Compensation

Congratulations to This Year’s MSAFE Winners!

The SET SEG Michigan Safety Awareness and Facilities Excellence (MSAFE) Award is a special way to recognize strong, supportive members of the Property/Casualty Pool and Workers’ Compensation Fund, rewarding their proactive efforts to protect their school community.

We are thrilled to announce and congratulate the third-annual MSAFE Award winners!

2023 REGIONAL MSAFE AWARD WINNERS:

L’Anse Area Schools
Oakridge Public Schools
Gobles Public Schools
Allen Park Public Schools

These exemplary SET SEG members possess outstanding safety records and take significant steps to preserve the safety and security of their buildings and grounds. Each winner met specific criteria for claims experience, prompt reporting, claims resolution, and training participation that earned them this prestigious distinction among their peers, along with a commemorative trophy and $1,000 to invest in their school district!

This fall, one grand prize winner will be selected from the group and will be granted an additional $2,500 to continue to build upon safety measures in their district. We applaud these school districts for their best-in-class safety practices and dedication to protecting their students and staff!

Know Your School’s Roof – It Matters

February 23, 2023 Leave a comment Director's Desk Featured Loss Control Property/Casualty

What type of roof system does your school district have? When do your roof warranties expire? When was the last time someone walked on and inspected your school’s roof?

If you don’t have the answers to the questions above, then let us help you.

For Michigan public schools, the weather can wreak havoc on facilities. Whether you’re located in the Upper Peninsula experiencing heavy amounts of snow and ice, or near the lakeshore getting wind and hail, threats to a school’s roof are frequent and can result in costly claims.

But with limited personnel and high turnover, SET SEG understands the challenges many of our members are facing when prioritizing a comprehensive maintenance program.

Marquette-Alger RESA: A District’s Perspective

Chief Financial Officer at Marquette-Alger RESA, Anthony Bertucci, has more than 15 years of experience working in public school facilities. After recently completing a roof replacement at his district, Bertucci shares his perspective on the challenges and solutions that come with roof maintenance at a Michigan public school.

Q: For a school district, what are the challenges that you’ve encountered regarding roof maintenance?
A: Most often the biggest challenge is personnel, feeling like you don’t have the staff and the capacity to maintain all facilities in the district. But roof maintenance is critical – you have to make the time.

Q: What are some of the processes you and your facility team have put in place?
A: You have to get up there regularly and walk the roof. We’ve established a schedule, clearing drains at least twice a year and checking all roofs after high winds or any other major weather event. Regular walkthroughs are the best way to identify issues before they become a major problem.

Q: For school employees who don’t have experience maintaining roofs, where do you recommend they start?
A: Make the time to do the preventive maintenance walkthrough – and pay attention to those roof drains. Understand the building structure and figure out what type of roof you have. You need to get someone with decision-making authority up on the roof to understand the conditions, then lean on SET SEG’s resources if you need additional support.

“We’re very fortunate as a school district to partner with an organization like SET SEG, which really has the best interests of its policyholders in mind. I really appreciate their proactive approach, with all the resources and trainings they provide.” – Anthony Bertucci, Chief Financial Officer at Marquette-Alger RESA

Make Roof Inspections a Priority – Contact SET SEG

SET SEG Loss Control Representative Skip Barclay is a HAAG-certified commercial roof inspector, performing building hazard assessments and reviewing claims for members across the state. After touring the Upper Peninsula’s school roofs with additional plans to explore the rest of the state, Barclay has seen it all.

Q: What is it about roofs that pose such a challenge?
A: Roof systems can be complex, and if you don’t have a record of the type of roof system you have, when the warranties are up, and an inspection and maintenance checklist, then it’s a real challenge for school staff to maintain safe and secure roofs.

Q: How does a school district get started in understanding its roof system and what it takes to maintain it?
A: Have an inspection schedule, review manufacturer/contractor’s information warranties, familiarize staff with how the roof is constructed, and be able to identify defects. Potential problems aren’t always noticeable, knowledge of your roof system enhances the chances of finding and preventing potential problems.

Are your drains blocked?
Do you have pools of standing water?
Are there any sections of the roof membrane loose or flapping in the wind?

If you find any of these issues, repairs may fall under existing warranties. If not, call your SET SEG Loss Control Representative immediately before greater damages occur.

Q: Why call SET SEG?
A: We’re here to help and this is what I do. As a member of the Property/Casualty Pool, we can help you identify and develop a strategy to address your biggest roof challenges. We can help you establish a maintenance schedule that fits your facility’s staff and their capacity. We are committed to providing the resources and support a district needs to prevent these major claims from occurring.

“Due to the longevity of roof warranties and high turnover in school districts, there needs to be a process and schedule established to maintain your roofs. I encourage districts to get up on the roof, document what they’re maintaining and the types of roofs they have.” – Skip Barclay, SET SEG Loss Control Representative

Start Here to Access SET SEG’s Roof Resources

Request a Roof Inspection
Fill out this form to request a visit from SET SEG’s certified roof inspector, Skip Barclay, to inspect roofs and provide guidance on the next steps.
[PDF] Roof Inspection Form
Download your own roof inspection form and start documenting your maintenance record.
[PDF] Snow Removal Tips
Click to access tips on developing a snow removal plan for your district.

2022 SET SEG Holiday Card Contest Winner

December 8, 2022 Leave a comment Director's Desk

Congratulations to Alina Geiger, an eleventh grader from Tuscola ISD, for winning the grand prize in our 2022 holiday card contest! This year we had hundreds of entries to choose from and were impressed by the creativity and talent demonstrated by student artists throughout the state. Alina’s art will appear on the cover of our holiday card, sent to more than 800 member districts, vendors and partners.

Thank you to all the students and teachers who participated in our contest! All of us at SET SEG wish you a happy holiday season!

Pictured from left to right: SET SEG Employee Benefits Sales Manager Greg Gray, Sheryl Pisché, Allison Geiger, Todd Leventure, and Lee Pavlichek.

When a Gym Floor Looks Like an Ocean Wave

November 8, 2022 Leave a comment Director's Desk Featured Loss Control Property/Casualty

When water encounters a gym floor and isn’t immediately removed and inspected, disaster looms. If not caught immediately and dried, water can severely damage a gym floor almost immediately.

In our over 35 years of experience, our Property/Casualty claims team has witnessed gym floors so buckled and bent, the district had no choice but to shut the gym down and replace the whole floor – leading to months of contract and claims negotiations, athletic and sports event repercussions, and unique classroom coordination challenges.

What happens when a gym floor gets wet?

Buckled and bent floorboards
Relocated gym classes
Canceled practices and games
Approximately $90,000-$190,000 in damages

When Disaster Strikes, Who Do You Call?

Chad Zeismer, SET SEG’s Property Claims Consultant, has seen it all, walking school district administrators through some of the worst property claims seen in the state.

Q: As the SET SEG Property Claims Consultant, what is your role when a district calls with a potential problem?
A: First and foremost, I work with the Loss Control team to determine what potential claims are likely and what can be done to prevent them. If there is a reported loss, I will first identify what caused it and if it’s considered a covered loss. I work with the vendors and contractors to negotiate costs, ensuring no one is taking advantage of the district or the claim. Even if the loss isn’t covered, we still work closely with the district to ensure they’re receiving fair pricing to repair any damages.

Q: Why are gym floors such a problem?
A: Gym floors are one of the most expensive items in a school and often the main focus for a community. Because they’re susceptible to any water intrusion, if any amount of water is found on a gym floor, then cleaned up and forgotten about, real problems can start to emerge as short as a few days later. If water has been left on a gym floor, it may be too far gone to salvage. It’s important for school employees to take any amount of water on the gym floor seriously.

These types of claims often happen over the holiday break, causing a district to lose the second half of their basketball season, wrestling meets, and cheer competitions – disrupting all kinds of athletic programs. To prevent this, call your flooring contractor, mitigation contractor, and SET SEG if you notice water on the gym floor. We will make sure the contractors work together to save the floor from damage.

Q: Why call SET SEG?
A: We’re here to help. As a member of the Property/Casualty Pool, you’re not alone. We are dedicated to providing members with the tools and resources to prevent claims before they occur. However, when disaster strikes, we provide the support and claims assistance to help districts navigate a difficult time.

“We’re not an insurance carrier – we’re a Pool. We value our partnerships with public schools and it’s important to us that we assist our districts in saving money and resolving claims in a timely manner.” – Chad Zeismer, SET SEG Property Claims Consultant

Ionia Public School District: A Disaster Avoided

Even when administrators and facilities staff are doing their due diligence to ensure school district buildings and property are safe and functioning at an optimal level, incidents can still occur.

In April 2022, the facilities team at Ionia Public School District discovered water on the gym floor due to a leak in the roof. Immediately, Facilities and Grounds Director Mike Avery, along with Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Andy Barr, took action, calling in mitigation contractors, a flooring contractor, and the school’s SET SEG Loss Control Representative. While the roof leak was addressed, the gym floor was evaluated, dried, and sections of flooring replaced.

“SET SEG really kept things moving,” Avery stated. “So much so that we never missed a day of class in that gym – there was no disruption to the school’s business despite having to fix the floor.”

As a long-time member of the Property/Casualty Pool, Ionia Public School District’s facilities crew has developed a partnership with the SET SEG Loss Control Team in an effort to improve safety and security measures throughout the district and manage any potential issues.

“I’ve been in this role for 20 years and SET SEG has stepped up to the plate anytime we’ve needed assistance when it comes to our facilities,” said Avery. “What’s amazing is how fast they reach out to us after we file a claim. The response time, along with the expertise and suggestions we receive through routine safety walkthroughs is invaluable.”

Moist, swollen and receding parquet after water leakage

Take Immediate Action

All it takes is a few days for a gym floor to start bubbling up or buckling if exposed to water. If there are any signs of water collecting on your district’s gym floor, contact SET SEG immediately.

SET SEG: Not Your Typical Insurance Company

October 27, 2022 Leave a comment Cyber Director's Desk Foundation Loss Control Property/Casualty Workers' Compensation

For most insurance companies, success is defined by profit and financial benchmarks. But for SET SEG, that’s not the case — we’re not an insurance company. Our members join a pool and fund as opposed to going with a traditional insurance carrier, meaning member districts are our shareholders and have a voice in our strategic direction. The success of the Pool and Fund allows members to receive net asset returns and premium reductions.

Insuring public schools is a risky endeavor, and in Michigan, where the summers are short and the winters are freezing, providing affordable and quality coverage on everything from property/casualty and workers’ compensation to employee benefits, can be a challenge.

As our schools face these challenges, we like to remind them one thing: they’re not alone.

From our corporate programs and workplace culture to our philanthropic efforts through the SET SEG Foundation, giving back to our schools and communities has become a part of the SET SEG approach, always connecting back to our core value to put schools first.

12 Ways SET SEG Gives Back

12. Property/Casualty Return Checks

Every year, districts that are members of the MASB/SEG Property/Casualty Pool receive a net asset return check for funds not utilized in covering claims the previous year. As members of the Pool, school districts share the risk but benefit when claims are reduced and prevented.

11. Workers’ Compensation: Funding Safety Initiatives

Every spring, the SEG Self-Insurer Workers’ Compensation Fund sends a check to each member of the Fund so those districts can purchase products that will help decrease common injuries that occur inside the classroom, with the ultimate goal of reducing injuries and claims across the state.

10. Free Subscription to MyCyber

It’s not enough to provide funds for the property and buildings our students and educators populate, protecting districts from cyber threats is also a top priority. Through a partnership with Tetra Defense, a leading cybersecurity firm, SET SEG provides a valuable tool for members to scan their systems allowing schools to shore up their cyber defenses, keeping their school community safe from damaging cyber incidents.

SET SEG is providing all members with a free subscription to MyCyber, a platform used to conduct cyber hygiene projects ensuring schools are following cyber security best practices and have all the tools they need to remain secure. Click to learn more.

9. Adopt a Family

As an organization, participating in Adopt-a-Family prior to the holidays is a great way to engage our employees and give back to the community at the same time. Each year, SET SEG pledges to assist one or two families who may be struggling to provide gifts for their children.

This season, our staff is purchasing and donating enough gifts to cover a family of five.

8. Employee Food Drive

For two weeks this November, our staff brought in food donations to the office for a food drive benefitting the SIREN/Eaton Shelter in Charlotte, Michigan, a community resource dedicated to providing advocacy and support services to the homeless population and domestic violence survivors.

7. Paid Volunteer Time

While giving back is top of mind during the holiday season, SET SEG has put in place policies that encourage philanthropy all year round, specifically through paid volunteer time and donating to our Foundation with payroll contributions. Employees are given eight hours of paid time off from work to volunteer for a cause, event, organization, etc. of their choice.

In addition to giving their time, many SET SEG employees take advantage of our payroll contribution option to donate an amount per day period to the SET SEG Foundation, directly donating to grant and scholarship programs benefiting our public schools.

6. Send a Candy Cane

In December, as a fundraiser for the SET SEG Foundation, the philanthropic arm of our organization, staff can pay $1 to send a coworker a festive treat with a message to share their appreciation during the holiday season.

5. Award 10 Schools $2,500

The SET SEG Foundation is once again partnering with the Michigan Association of School Boards to honor Michigan public school programs with Education Excellence Awards. Ten educational programs within Michigan public schools and/or ISDs will be awarded the grant to continue their positive influence on their students and community.

Winners receive $2,500, a commemorative trophy, and a street sign announcing the districts as an Education Excellence winner. Apply here: setseg.org/edex

4. Send 65 Students to Summer Leadership Camp

The Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies (MASC/MAHS) Summer Leadership Camp provides an opportunity for students to experience lessons in leadership, communications, group activities, and goal setting. Through this competitive process, students in grades nine through 12 receive scholarships to attend camp.

Every year, SET SEG receives hundreds of applications from all throughout Michigan and awards $26,000 in full scholarships. Click to learn more.

3. Provide 20 Students Scholarships for the Skilled Trades

The SET SEG Foundation believes in supporting Michigan public school students in the pursuit of enrichment opportunities that advance learning and create opportunities. With the shortage of skilled trade workers in Michigan, we want to help revitalize these career paths and support students in their professional pursuits by giving 20 scholarships each in the amount of $500. Click to learn more.

2. Award 3 School Districts in the Student Showcase

Each year MASC/MAHS invite students across the state to develop a student showcase presentation that shares the very best in programming currently being executed at their school. Presentations are held at regional events throughout the state and can be selected to present at the state conference in February. The top presentations are voted on by attending schools for a chance to present to more than 2,000 student leaders from across the State of Michigan. Students attending the state conference will vote for the top three winners.

The SET SEG Foundation awards the top three winning school districts $1,000.

#GivingTuesday: SET SEG Foundation

Throughout our #12WaysOfGiving series we’ve covered all the ways SET SEG gives back to Michigan’s schools and communities, even highlighting our generous staff for all they give throughout the year in addition to their hard work serving our members every day.

Now it’s your turn.

If you would like to contribute to any of the SET SEG Foundation’s programs benefitting Michigan public school educators and students, please donate today: setseg.org/donate.

Groundbreaking Transportation Safety at West Shore ESD

October 21, 2022 Leave a comment Director's Desk Loss Control Property/Casualty

For school districts and SET SEG, student safety is always top of mind. There are, of course, many factors that play into that safety. Concerns such as facility security and structural maintenance certainly play a role in keeping students safe; however, one of the largest factors contributing to the safety of our students comes from the preparedness of the often-unsung heroes from any school district: bus drivers.

Katrina Morris, Transportation Director for West Shore ESD and Executive Director of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT) has always recognized this fact. “We have the most safety-sensitive position in our whole entire district,” explains Morris. “Our drivers are the first and last people to see those kids every single day.”

Morris, a former bus driver herself, has spent her career advocating for bus drivers in her district and beyond, recognizing the importance of those roles within every school district. At West Shore ESD, she and her staff worked to develop training and requirements that provide bus drivers with all of the tools necessary to keep students secure. At MAPT, she was able to extend that training to the rest of Michigan public schools, and ultimately, helped to pass legislation mandating it.

Proactive Bus Driver Training

After meeting with the Mason County school safety team, Morris recognized that, while broad safety training and procedures were in place, there was nothing specifically tailored to the unique challenges of transportation departments. Morris and her team subsequently developed courses specific to bus drivers, requiring supervisors and bus drivers to participate in proactive training that helps them identify potential safety issues and act before problems arise. This specialized training addresses, among other things, intruders, and other unauthorized individuals, attempting to board a school bus; a surprisingly common, and dangerous, occurrence.

After successfully enacting these requirements at West Shore ESD, Morris realized that the same issue she encountered in Mason County (limited bus driver-specific safety training) was likely affecting schools across the state.

Leveraging her experience at West Shore ESD, and her position at MAPT, she approached Michigan lawmakers for the funding needed to expand this valuable training to the rest of the state, ultimately securing $810,000 to incorporate proactive training to the curriculum already in place.

Now, part of the mandated training bus drivers and supervisors undergo includes guidance that gives them tools for recognizing and preventing potential threats to their and students’ safety. According to Morris, the training empowers bus drivers to act: “They have more options – when they see something happening, or they’re questioning something, they know that they have a voice to say, ‘what can I do about this?’”

Bus Legislation for Change

Beyond training, Morris and her staff have worked closely with Michigan lawmakers to add multiple pieces of legislation that keep students and drivers safe, such as:

Passing a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended was already illegal, but now law enforcement is permitted to use camera footage from the bus to enforce the crime.
Boarding a school bus without permission is now a civil infraction.
Buses can now feature a sign on the side of the vehicle explaining the penalty for unauthorized entry.

The legislation championed by Morris has resulted in buses across the state being equipped with additional safety features that weren’t present before. Safety features like outside cameras, LED stop signs, and LED bus signs are now commonplace.

We applaud the work Morris and MAPT have done. What started at West Shore ESD has branched out throughout all of Michigan and, in some cases North America, for a solitary reason: it keeps students and drivers safe.

Members of MASB-SEG Property/Casualty Pool all play a role in maintaining the level of security the pool offers. Regardless of the size of the district, or level of employee, we are all contributing to the safety and security of Michigan public schools. That safety often starts and ends with bus drivers.

For more information about current and upcoming bus safety training, as well as general news regarding pupil transportation in the state of Michigan, visit the MAPT website.

All the Pieces of the Puzzle for School Bus Safety

Want to learn more about bus safety? Watch our EduSeries Training video with SET SEG’s Loss Control Representative Jamison Hagerty and West Shore ESD’s Transportation Director Katrina Morris as the walk viewers through the key points of building and maintaining a strong transportation program.

Click here to watch!

#SETSEGStaff – Molly Mellema

September 19, 2022 Leave a comment #SETSEGStaff Director's Desk

At SET SEG, we put schools first every single day. We educate, empower, and serve Michigan public schools by offering benefits and services that keep schools safe and charitable contributions that support students within the state.

As the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and Foundation Executive Director, Molly Mellema embraces the mission to put schools first through relationship development, brand awareness, and ensuring that schools’ unique insurance needs are met through our programs and initiatives. Mellema also serves as the Executive Director of the SET SEG Foundation, which operates with the mission to enable students to advance learning, leadership, and civic responsibility by providing financial support directly to public schools and students.

Giving Back to Schools

Leading the Foundation is a newer role for Mellema that allows her passion for schools and students to shine. SET SEG provides numerous services to districts at an administrative level, and the Foundation allows the organization to take on a different role, directly serving students and programs with financial awards and scholarships.

Mellema strives to be a positive influence for SET SEG staff, helping them grow and serve Michigan public schools. She extends that influence to the Foundation, both with increased employee involvement and student success. Through Mellema’s leadership, the Foundation instills the core values of the organization, supporting our public schools and making a significant impact on the future of every student.

Q&A: Molly Mellema

Q: How do you feel you make an impact through SET SEG?
A: Everything the Foundation does allows me to feel like I’m making a difference and impacting students’ lives. Through the Foundation, we strive to support school districts throughout Michigan with the MASB Education Excellence Awards. It’s a great example of how we work to impact K-12 students’ futures by providing opportunities for innovative programs and empowering them to become strong leaders. Additionally, the Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for leadership camps, career technical programs, and those going into the trades.

Q: What motivated you to become a leader at SET SEG?
A: Throughout my career I’ve found myself in various leadership roles. Most recently, however, I actively sought out a leadership role with the Foundation because I truly believe that there are so many opportunities to make a difference for students, and that is my motivation. My goal is to expand our fundraising so that we can make a bigger impact for even more students, particularly at the middle school level, as they are often underserved.

Q: What is your leadership style?
A: I grew up around coaches, so my leadership style tends to mirror that of a coach. You need to know what motivates each individual in order to get the most out of them. I also believe you need to empower people, so they feel like they have authority and decision-making abilities. For me, this means giving people the room to grow and learn to create ideas and solutions on their own by asking questions instead of trying to jump in with solutions.

Q: What does working at SET SEG mean to you?
A: To me, working at SET SEG means supporting Michigan public schools. That is my passion. When you look at my career, it has always revolved around schools in some way, shape, or form. Our organization invests in the future of schools. When you look at our Property/Casualty Pool, we are protecting buildings and property. Our Worker’s Compensation Fund protects educators and keeps them in front of students. And on the Employee Benefits side, we have the opportunity to work with employees on their health and wellness so they can continue to make an impact on students, the future leaders of our state, country, and beyond. Being involved in a company that does so much for public schools in Michigan is incredibly rewarding.

Q: Why SET SEG? A: We’re NOT Your Typical Insurance Company