Message from the Executive Director

joe-300Joseph Goncalves – Executive Director

If insuring public schools in New York were a tennis game, no fair-minded umpire could declare anything other than ‘Advantage NYSIR.’

We all understand that insurance is no game, but I’m pleased nonetheless to report that, metaphorically speaking, NYSIR’s score against the economy and the competition continues to make it a championship player. Our service, as well, ranks us among the best in the business, a fact confirmed by industry analyst A.M. Best, which once again has assigned NYSIR an “A” rating.

But make no mistake. The current year finds us in the middle of a brand-new tournament, playing against some formidable opponents, and I’d like to take this opportunity to make some non-tennis points about our company’s overall game plan.

For current and potential subscribers facing the painful local ramifications of New York State’s ongoing fiscal crisis, the value of NYSIR’s offerings remains unmatched.

We know you’re examining every possible angle in the search for a budget that exacts maximum payback for every dollar you spend. We know you’re walking a budgetary tightrope, balancing your fiduciary responsibilities against your obligation to provide the very best education for your children. We know, as well, that your district’s exposures to risk seem to grow larger with every headline about employment liabilities, cyber-crime, weather-related property damage and potential environmental safety issues.

We know those things because we are you. NYSIR is owned by its subscribing districts; its Board of Governors is populated by concerned superintendents and business officials who represent school districts from every region of the state. Schools, after all, are our only customers, and in the end that deep affinity with districts’ operational needs and business agendas is a value that other insurers simply cannot offer.

Game – NYSIR has an in-depth understanding of the insurance and risk management needs faced by school districts because those same school districts run the company.
Set – Our expertise in school- and education-related claims management is unparalleled.
Match – Our coverages are tailored specifically to address the issues and exposures faced by New York school districts day in and day out.

It’s a winning combination that has helped NYSIR maintain low rates and premiums even as its coverage base gets stronger and adds greater value.

As you might imagine, we’re already hard at work on the 2010 court and, we hope, well on our way toward a spot in this year’s finals. Despite a continuingly contentious economy, we’re moving fast, responding quickly and scoring points, always mindful that we’re not playing for ourselves, but for our valued subscribers.

In the end, that makes the victory even sweeter.