The district has a policy covering insurance and utilizes the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) sponsored insurance package with Fred A. Moreton agency in Boise. This is a custom-made program for Idaho public schools and the district is commended for using it. Inherent in it is safety and specialization of insurance particularly for schools. The district is also covered by the State Insurance Fund for worker’s compensation insurance.

Observations and Recommendations

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There appears to be some inconsistent practices in regards to maintaining various school buildings. There does not seem to be a plan in place for preventative maintenance of buildings and playground areas.

Recommendation

All facilities need to have in place a preventative maintenance plan to address the continual upgrading of buildings and site areas. This plan should reflect all major areas of need, for example, painting, motors, roofs, sidings, landscapes, etc. A needs assessment should be conducted as it relates to the maintenance of district property.

Pinehurst Elementary experienced a broken window in a high impact area. The entrance to the building needs to be as safe as possible especially with the amount of single pane glass that is currently being used. The pane broke without much effort.

Recommendation

Replace the broken glass with double pane, tempered or wire mesh glass and replace all other glass in high impact areas with some form of safety glass.

Students were observed running across the highway from the playground into Canyon Elementary School. There was no crossing guard nor stopping to check for traffic.

Recommendation

The district should take immediate steps to eliminate the safety risk for students crossing the highway between Canyon Elementary School and the playground.

Unsafe conditions were observed in the boiler room under the cafeteria in Pinehurst Elementary School.

Recommendation

The district should develop a plan to eliminate the safety problems associated with the boiler room at Pinehurst Elementary School, especially address ground water seepage.

There is no intercom system in place in Canyon Elementary to deal with security and emergency measures.

Recommendation

Even though it is a small building and they have a good lock down procedure, it would be wise to install an indoor-outdoor communication system to alert all students and staff of emergency situations.

No safety belts were observed for custodians and maintenance personnel. Extensive costs and job related injuries could result from lifting strains. An employee is presently off work due to a back injury.

Recommendation

Purchase safety belts for all personnel involved in heavy lifting and provide inservice training for all personnel who have to lift, stoop, twist, and extend their arms.

There is increased district liability due to certain unsafe conditions that were observed by the team. Conditions at the bus facility need attention. These are mentioned in the facilities section. Unsafe facilities endanger staff, students, and visitors and place the district in a precarious liability position. Two other obvious liability concerns are the water in the basement at Pinehurst, and the road without signs, cones or personnel allowing unrestricted vehicle traffic to barrel through the Canyon School walkway/road between the building and the playground.

Recommendation

The conditions mentioned above deserve the attention of management and their consideration is recommended. Any other safety concerns not mentioned here are recommended for scrutiny by the appropriate supervisors.

Staff accidents and claims cause higher premiums. The Experience Modification (e-mod) as rated by the State Insurance Fund represents the district’s industrial safety record. The 1.02 rating is commendable, as it is very close to the state average of 1.00 for its classification.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the district continue its staff safety practices to keep employee safety a priority and maintain the e-mod at or below the state average of 1.00.