Crisis Management for Incidents

Often when we think of Crisis Management we envision large scale disasters like School Shootings, Tornados, Hurricanes or other catastrophic events putting lives and property at risk.  While these are all potential, in the insurance world they are considered less likely or carry a lower degree of probability.  With that said we have seen a major uptick in all three along with a higher degree of probability related to significant weather events that have produced a new normal as indicated in a recent study conducted by Munich Re, leading experts on risk solution worldwide based in Germany:   

October 22, 2012 - A new study by Munich Re shows that North America has been most affected by weather-related extreme events in recent decades. The publication "Severe weather in North America" analyzes all kinds of weather perils and their trends. It reports and shows that the continent has experienced the largest increases in weather-related loss events.

For the period concerned – 1980 to 2011 – the overall loss burden from weather catastrophes was US$ 1,060bn (in 2011 values).The insured losses amounted to US$ 510bn, and some 30,000 people lost their lives due to weather catastrophes in North America during this time frame.   

NJEA.org - NJEA wins Round 2 of COLA lawsuit

NJEA.org - NJEA wins Round 2 of COLA lawsuit

Book It for True Savings

As BA's we are fortunate to belong to a large group of professionals who poses a wide array of knowledge related to the Business of Education.  What's even better is the fact that we share and promote key ideas, concepts and proven strategies for cost effective savings that promote and retain high quality within our organizations and schools.  In that vain, I would like to share one of the best opportunities for true savings that I have come across in the recent years... Book-It Distribution:   Book-It offers a more efficient and economical way to move your students’ learning materials from publishers, point of manufacture direct to the class room.
Book-It will guarantee at least a 5% savings on your shipping and handling charges, plus greater savings opportunities through annual contracts.
Book-It provides a partnership with you to develop more macro budgetary solutions, rather than simply drop-shipping to your school’s doorstep and driving away.
Book-It is a one-stop transportation network that handles your complete order from ship date to delivery date.
Book-It provides the integrity and reliability of an established transportation company, while partnering one-on-one with staff affiliated with your school district.


In a typical scenario of real savings, this year we are in the process of purchasing a new text book order in the amount of $170,000.00 that equates to a typical $17,000 charge for shipping with the standard 10% add on from most if not all publishers.  With Book-It or other players in the freight offset market (offsetting freight charges) this add on is cut to $8,500 @ 5% vs. the 10% charge.  That is significant savings that can go back into the classroom as it allows the customer more purchase power.


I first came across the concept three years ago at a national conference in Seattle with a company called Academic Asset Management, Inc.  While the experience yielded immediate savings, the office is out of Maryland and not accessible for face to face meetings... In other words, this was prior to any comparable service in New Jersey.  All that has changed with Book-It Distribution as Josh Kalish, President and Chief Operating Officer is as local as local gets with monthly appearances at many of the County Roundtables.


If you are not one of the over 170 districts doing business with them today, you should consider reaching out explore this immediate savings.