For the Journal
Paramount Unified School District recently received the 2016-17 Risk Management Pays Award and an $8,000 grant from the Alliance of Schools for Cooperative Insurance Programs for the District’s efforts to effectively minimize safety risks through proactive faculty training.
ASCIP, a public agency that provides insurance coverage to school districts and community colleges, annually presents the award to districts that best exemplify safety and security for students and employees. For the 2016-17 school year, 22 districts in California received the award.
“Paramount Unified School District is committed to keeping our schools safe, and this award validates that we are on the right path,” Paramount Unified Superintendent Dr. Ruth Pérez said. “With the help of this grant, we can continue our mission in providing a safe environment for all of our students, staff and administrators.”
Funds from the grant will be used to improve the identification system of visitors on school campuses. The District also will acquire safety devices that would automatically lock doors at schools and facilities in an emergency.
“The District is reviewing outdated equipment, and this grant will help us purchase top-quality safety and security materials,” Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Ruben Frutos said.
Paramount Unified has implemented initiatives that prevent accidents and reduce claims, such as providing proactive safety training for employees at every site to respond to emergencies. The trainings include earthquake, fire, lockout and lockdown drills.
The District also has a contract with a taxi cab service – rather than using school buses – that transports special education students to and from school to reduce travel time, improve safety and enhance their educational experience.
“We are proud to receive this award, and we congratulate our incredible staff for ensuring our campuses are safe and prepared,” said Vivian Hansen, president of the PUSD Board of Education.
