Layoffs from budget cuts have triggered an increase in Employment Practices Liability (EPL) claims for charter schools all over the country. In contrast, the tough job market has led to an increased amount of “failure to educate” claims.

The typical School Board or Educators Legal Liability policy is designed to protect teachers and school board members, administrators, volunteers, student teachers, and various other members of the educational staff. In a standard policy, the definition of “Wrongful Act” includes coverage for an actual or alleged breach of duty, neglect, misleading statement, and other errors or omissions of an insured educator in their capacity or scope of employment on behalf of the educational institution. Most policies also include coverage for EPL claims, which tend to be the most frequent cause of loss.

Typical allegations found in claims include:

• Failure to educate
• Failure to supervise a classroom
• Loss of accreditation
• Employment-related lawsuits claiming sexual harassment, wrongful termination, or discrimination
• Misstatements, misleading statements, breaches of duty, neglect, errors or omissions made by a paid or volunteer board member who assists the school in making critical decisions about operations and economic survival
• Failure to respond to or prevent bullying activities of the students

For additional information on how educators legal liability can protect your school, please feel free to contact our office.