Helping Christian Schools Stand the Test of Time

By Brendon Frankell
Lightwell Insurance Advisors

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is experiencing the strong sense of community within Christian schools. These schools are built on values that resonate deeply with me.  I've spent a lot of time working with school leaders over the past seven years, so I understand the challenges they face. From operational hurdles to financial constraints, I want to help them find solutions that support their mission of teaching the gospel and making the name of Jesus heard. So, they can focus on what they do best - educating and nurturing students to become our next generation of Christian leaders.

Making the Grade

At Lightwell Insurance Advisors, we believe in providing the right insurance solutions for each individual organization. Christian schools are different from other schools and then each Christian school is unique. So, it is crucial to have specialized property and liability policies that reflect their specific needs. To do this, I conduct thorough reviews of existing policies to identify gaps and areas for improvement. This proactive approach helps schools stay prepared for any eventuality. Common gaps I often find include inadequate liability coverage, insufficient property insurance, lack of coverage for after-school programs and sports, inadequate cyber liability coverage, insufficient transportation coverage, and gaps in sexual misconduct, traumatic incidents, directors and officers, and health and accident coverages. Additionally, I like to ensure that our school clients understand the benefits of having an added layer of protection when it comes to teaching their sincerely held beliefs and protecting against a series of educator related liabilities.

Studying the Risks

Risk management is a cornerstone of my work with Christian schools. This means closely collaborating with school leaders to do onsite inspections, share detailed recommendations for enhancing safety and security, and to develop comprehensive plans that address potential risks. When conducting risk assessments, it’s important to ask the right questions and to listen.

This is just a sampling of the areas our agents review and things we’ll ask about:

Physical Security

• Access Control - Ensuring that entry points are secure and monitored. I’ll ask about the procedures for visitor check-in and the use of ID badges for staff and students.

• Surveillance - Evaluating the effectiveness of security cameras and alarm systems. We’ll discuss the placement of cameras and how footage is monitored.

Safety Protocols

• Emergency Preparedness - Reviewing the school's emergency plans for various scenarios, such as fires, natural disasters, and lockdowns. I’ll ask about the frequency of drills and staff training.

• Health and Safety - Assessing the measures in place to handle medical emergencies. I’m looking for the availability of first aid kits and the presence of trained personnel within the school and for athletics.

Facility Maintenance

• Building Inspections - Checking the condition of school buildings and facilities – inside and out to identify potential hazards. We’ll discuss the maintenance schedule and any recent repairs.

• Playground, Sport Fields, and Equipment Safety - Inspecting playgrounds and sports equipment to ensure they meet safety standards. I’ll inquire about the inspection process and maintenance routines.

Staff and Student Policies

• Background Checks - Ensuring that all staff and regular volunteers undergo a thorough screening program that includes reliable background checks. We’ll go over your procedures for vetting new hires.

• Behavioral Guidelines - Reviewing the school's policies on student behavior and staff conduct. I’ll look for clear guidelines and that they are being enforced.

After-School Programs and Sports

• Program Safety - Evaluating the safety protocols for after-school programs and sports activities, especially high hazard sports like football. I’ll ask about the supervision ratios, the qualifications of coaches and program leaders, and about concussion policies and protocols.

• Equipment and Facilities - Inspecting sports equipment and facilities to ensure they are safe and well-maintained. I’ll inquire about the regularity of equipment checks and the condition of sports fields and courts.

• Transportation - Reviewing the policies for transporting students to and from school and after-school activities. I’ll look for safety measures in place for school buses and other transportation methods.

Wrapping Up

At Lightwell, we’re your “go to” when it comes to risk management guidance. By asking great questions and conducting detailed inspections, our team provides schools with actionable recommendations to improve their safety and security, finds holistic insurance to protect them, and looks for ways to keep them thriving in ministry.

New to Lightwell Insurance Advisors? Navigate to “Agent Locations,” select your state, and click “Contact Us.” Our team would be happy to talk with you.

Watch Brendon's full interview here, or listen to The Lightwell Podcast on your favorite streaming service.

About the Author: Brendon Frankell is an agent with Lightwell Insurance Advisors serving the Georgia area. He has dedicated his career to working with ministries, K-12 schools, and nonprofit organizations providing insurance solutions and risk management guidance.

Lightwell Insurance Advisors is focused on identifying risks and crafting safeguards for organizations that lift up their communities. We're a trusted partner in understanding risk management and insurance protection.

This blog post provides a general overview of risk management principles and insurance. It should not be seen as a contractual agreement. Details about coverage, deductibles, limits, and services may vary by organization and location. All coverage options are subject to their specific terms, conditions, coverage limits, limitations, and exclusions.