This study focused on Kansas school districts and the risk
management practices of the districts. A three-part survey was mailed to all
of the Kansas school districts. The questionnaire asked about demographical
information, risk management programs in the district, and the risk areas
addressed by the school districts. The risk areas included transportation of
students to and from school and school-sponsored activities; student injury;
hazardous waste; theft, fire and weather; food-borne illnesses; personnel
injury; blood-borne pathogens; student and staff injuries caused by violent
acts; and asbestos and lead exposure. The risk management strategies that
were compared in this study were purchasing of insurance, developing
policies, training of students and personnel, purchasing of specific equipment,
hiring of additional personnel, contracting for services, and elimination of
activities.
Superintendents were asked to complete the survey. Of the 303
Kansas school districts, 90 school districts responded to the survey. All
geographical locations and student populations were represented in the selfselected
sample of respondents. The findings show that school districts
rarely have risk management programs. The study also found that the most
frequently used risk management strategy is purchasing of insurance. The
risk area involving weather, theft, and fire was the most common risk
addressed in school districts.