COMMON
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Q
1. Does this policy cover a
teacher or principal who is
also a member of a school
board?
A.
Such member is covered while
engaged in duties as a
teacher or principal but not
while acting as a member of
a school board.
Q
2. Are libel and slander
covered?
A. Yes, while the member is
engaged in activities as a
professional educator.
Q
3. A member of the public is
injured while on school
property and sues the school
system. Would this be
covered?
A. No. This policy does not
cover the school system. It
covers the individual
members.
Q
4. A student is physically
injured during a scheduled
football practice. He
alleges negligence on the
part of the coach. Is the
coach covered?
A. Yes. In a case where the coach instruced a player to "run the bleachers"as a discipline for missing practice, the student fell and suffered serious injuries. The claim was covered under liability - Coverage A
Q
5. A claim is made against a
principal or teacher for
damages as a result of the
suspension of a student. Is
coverage provided under
Coverage A?
A. Yes, since monetary
damages are alleged.
Q
6. A suit is filed demanding
reinstatement of a student
alleging improper suspension
by a principal or teacher.
What coverage is provided?
A. Since this action only
asks for "injunctive
relief" and since it
involves "other
professional
responsibilities,"
Coverage B would apply.
Reimbursement of attorney
fees up to $5,000 each for
the principal and teacher
would be paid if the
suspension were upheld.
Q
7. Are principals and
teachers insured against
criminal acts?
A. Corporal punishment,
whether civil or criminal,
is under Coverage A. Any
other criminal act is
covered under B with the
maximum of $5,000 payable
whether of not the insured
is exonerated.
Q
8. A claim is made against a
teacher or principal as the
result of a student being
injured during an experiment
in the science lab. What
coverage is provided?
A. This accident falls under
Coverage A.
Q
9. A claim is falsely and
fraudulently made against a
teacher for bodily injury to
a student alleging
negligence on the part of
the teacher. Is this
covered?
A. Yes. The duty of the
insurance company to defend
is far greater than the duty
to pay. It pays when an
insured is judged liable;
but it must defend even if
the allegation be false,
groundless or fraudulent.
Q
8. A claim is made against a
teacher or principal as the
result of a student being
injured during an experiment
in the science lab. What
coverage is provided?
A. This accident falls
under Coverage A.
Q
9. A claim is falsely and
fraudulently made against a
teacher for bodily injury to
a student alleging
negligence on the part of
the teacher. Is this
covered?
A. Yes. The duty of the
insurance company to defend
is far greater than the duty
to pay. It pays when an
insured is judged liable;
but it must defend even if
the allegation be false,
groundless or fraudulent.
Q
10. What coverage is there
in the policy for a member
who feels unjustly
terminated or unjustly
censured by a board action?
A. The policy covers
attorney fees up to $5,000
provided termination or
allegations at a hearing are
resolved in favor of the
teacher. In one case, a
teacher was suspended and
asked to resign although he
felt he had done nothing to
void his contract.
Negotiations resulted in the
teacher recovering requested
pay, a contract of release
and a recommendation. His
attorney's fees were paid
under Coverage B.
Q
11. An educator is accused
of sexual misconduct with a
student or another teacher.
Is coverage provided?
A. Yes, under Coverage B
only. This may or may not be
a criminal action, but
whether criminal or civil,
attorney fees up to $5,000
are payable whether or not
the educator is exonerated.
