Protecting Schools and the Public from the Perils of COVID-19 Litigation

School districts are working diligently to safely reopen schools during COVID-19 and protect students, educators, staff and local communities. But even if local education agencies follow all health and safety guidance, an alarming specter of costly litigation looms. It's cause for great concern -- and legislators have only a small window left this legislative session to address it by acting on Assembly Bill 1384 (O'Donnell).

In this episode, guest Eric Dill, chief school business official for Santa Clara Unified School District, helps us wade through the murky liability waters brought on by the pandemic. We'll explore some basics about school district insurance, risk and liability, and potential implications for students, schools, and taxpayers. Plus, we'll hear how AB 1384, introduced by Assembly Education Committee Chair Patrick O'Donnell, could provide additional, much-needed legal protection for school districts during this most perilous time. 

"In public education, insurance dollars are public dollars," Eric explains. "That same LCFF funding that goes to school districts to hire teachers, buy mobile devices, buy textbooks -- it's the same funding that we have to carve out for insurance. When our losses go up, our premiums go up, just like in the real world. And that means fewer dollars are left for our core mission of preparing students for college, careers and the community. This is why everyone needs to be concerned when we are exposed to liability for doing what is a constitutional requirement."

MORE INFO and VALUABLE RESOURCES

Reopening California's Schools: A SISC and Kern CSS Discussion on Liability Issues to Consider, CASBO Summer Series WebinarAB 1384 (O’Donnell): Local education agencies: liability for COVID-19-related injuries.Coalition Letter from 230-plus organizations in Support of AB 1384Letter cosigned by 40 legislators urging a hearing for AB 1384COVID-19 lawsuits: a school district worry, EdSource podcast episodeCalifornia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Schools and School-Based Programs, June 5, 2020

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Eric Dill is the Chief Business Official in Santa Clara USD; he'll begin a new role as CBO at Santa Clara COE next month. Previously Eric served for more than 16 years in San Dieguito Union HSD in several positions, including superintendent, associate superintendent of business services, director of risk management and as a loss control analyst. He began his career in private sector risk management. He is a proud graduate of San Diego State University. He also serves on the CASBO Board of Directors. Learn more about Eric in the CASBO Career Chronicle.

ABOUT CASBO

The California Association of School Business Officialsis the premier resource for professional development and business best practices for California's school business leaders. Follow at @CASBO.

About your series guide
Paul Richman is a public education advocate and consultant. Share your feedback at [email protected]. Follow at @pjr100