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MSGIA - Insuring a Bright Future for Montana's Public Schools for over 30 Years!

Shawn Bubb, MTSBA Director  of Insurance Services

 

 

In 1989, the MSGIA built and has since continually refined its highly successful workers' compensation pool with MTSBA member's feedback, guidance, and unwavering support. The Workers’ Compensation program has saved MTSBA members millions of dollars in premiums and dividends paid over the years by consistently providing competitive net pricing and offering responsive and value-added risk management services (such as asbestos inspections) at no additional costs to our members.  The MSGIA evolves with our member's needs and strives to provide a critical partner to them in all areas of public school district risk management.

Starting in 2002, MTSBA took over the operation of MSGIA from the Montana School Services Foundation, and that partnership has been a key to the continued expansion of new lines of business and enhanced services ever since.  In 2008, MSGIA launched the MSGIA Property and Liability Pool, which resulted in a substantial reduction in rates compared to those then in place among profit-based competitors. The same ingredients that drove the success of the workers’ compensation program have continued to drive the success and expansion of the property and liability program. Self-funded, member-governed, and owned and accountable to the members of MTSBA for over 30 years, MSGIA provides some of the most valuable programs to MTSBA members, and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve MTSBA members with the best insurance programs available for public schools in Montana.

MSGIA Crisis Management and Social Media Monitoring Services
The MSGIA continues to provide all WC pool members with crisis management and social media monitoring services for all its WC pool members.  Since January 1, 2019, all MSGIA WC Pool members have enjoyed access to these great new member resources to help prevent violent events from occurring at your school district through an open-source social media monitoring service.  MSGIA  members also have access to one hour of Professional Crisis Risk Management services from trained crisis management responders contracted through the MSGIA. In combination with the utilization of professional crisis management services, districts need to be mindful of the importance of consultation with their legal counsel to ensure the significant legal issues that arise in crisis situations related to students and staff of the district are handled appropriately.  The MTSBA attorneys are well-versed in assisting districts with crisis management and the legal issues that come into play. Please contact the MSGIA with questions or further interest in these great new school safety risk management programs only available through your MSGIA WC Pool membership.

About MSGIA's Workers' Compensation Pool 
The Montana Schools Group Interlocal Authority provides a wide range of risk management services to assist our members strength their workplace safety cultures.  Log into our website with your user ID and password to see the full range of resources that are available to your district and staff. 

About MSGIA's Property and Liability Pool 
The Montana Schools Group Interlocal Authority has provided a Self-Insured Property and Liability Pool for Montana K-12 School Districts since 2008.  Log into our website with your user ID and password to see the full range of resources that are available to your district and staff. 

Check Out Safety Resources!
In this section, you will find safety and risk management articles, links, and training programs available for the members of our programs. This is a new resource area for our members, so be sure to come back and visit often as we add content.

 


 

The Gary Griffith Excellence in Workplace Safety Winner for FY2025 

Elder Grove Elementary!

Elder Grove School District, a K-8 district serving over 700 students west of Billings, Montana, has been selected to receive the prestigious Gary Griffith Excellence in Workplace Safety award. Presented by the Montana School Group Interlocal Authority (MSGIA), the district's workers' compensation coverage provider, this honor recognizes Elder Grove's outstanding commitment to creating and maintaining a safe environment for both students and staff. The award is based on the district's minimal claims record and its comprehensive approach to workplace safety—achievements that reflect nearly two decades of dedicated effort.

With a rapidly growing residential community, operating and maintaining a campus that has evolved from a patchwork of buildings to one that now has a more updated flow, utilizing historic and new buildings, presents unique safety challenges. However, Elder Grove has successfully navigated these complexities through proactive leadership and a culture of collective and individual responsibility. Following the tone of Superintendent Jim Goltz’s never-ending positive energy, business manager Julie Copeman, the school board, and the entire Elder Grove staff have been instrumental in fostering an environment where every employee takes ownership of workplace safety. This commitment is evident throughout the district: buildings are meticulously maintained, work areas and classrooms are carefully organized to prevent injuries, and staff members consistently uphold exceptional standards in their anchored workplace culture. 

The district's nineteen-year track record of minimal claims and its healthy, engaged workforce demonstrate that safety excellence directly supports educational excellence. By maintaining optimal working and learning conditions, Elder Grove ensures that its staff can fully dedicate themselves to the critical responsibilities required of a high-performing school district. This sustained commitment to safety has not only protected the district's employees but has also created a stable foundation that allows the entire educational community to thrive.

Congratulations, Elder Grove, on a job well done!