Frequently Asked Questions
Appraisal Services
What type of appraisal services do you provide?
Appraisals are available for all physical structures of Illinois public school districts. All structures are evaluated using the Marshall & Swift/Boeckh® Commercial Building Valuation System. Contents are valued using actuarially developed formulas.
Whom do I contact to have an appraisal performed on my school district's property?
You can schedule an appraisal by calling your Sandner Group Agent.
Does our school district have to be a member of the ISDA to get an appraisal?
No. Appraisals for all physical structures are available for all Illinois public school districts, whether the districts are ISDA members or not.
Billings and Invoices
I just received my invoice for the upcoming plan year. Whom do I contact if I have questions about items on my invoice?
If your questions deal with the invoice itself, you should contact The Sandner Group's accounting department at 800-654-9504. However, if you have questions regarding how your total contribution was determined, you should contact your Sandner Group Agent.
Boiler Inspection
My district needs to schedule appointments to have some of our boilers inspected. How do we schedule such inspections?
You can have your school's boiler inspected by the following:
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
DIVISION OF BOILER AND PRESSURE VESSEL SAFETY
1035 STEVENSON DRIVE
SPRINGFIELD, IL 62703-4259
PHONE: (312) 814-1342
The inspection certificates on some of our district's boilers are about to expire. How can I get these certificates renewed?
Boiler certificates are not renewable; you'll need to have the boilers inspected again. Once the boilers have passed inspection, you'll be issued new certificates. Expired boiler certificates can result in a fine from the State of Illinois. To make certain your district is in compliance with state law, you should schedule an inspection for at least thirty days before your certificate(s) expire.
Building Renovation and Construction
Our district's voters just approved a referendum to fund an addition to a school building. Do I need to apply for coverage for the construction?
Whether enlarging or renovating a building, or planning new construction, your district's coverage can be amended to provide protection during construction and after the construction is completed. Simply contact your Sandner Group Agent to make certain your coverage plan is updated before any construction begins and submit the actual contract for construction.
Remember, 1) if your construction is being funded by a special purpose bond, you'll need to obtain an ancillary School District Treasurer's Bond, and 2) you cannot waive your right to subrogation. Your Sandner Group Agent can help you to meet your school district's bond requirements.
Claim Reporting
How do I file a claim?
All claims for WCSIT and ISDA are managed by The Sandner Group - Claims Management (800-419-3205).
The Sandnder Group - Claims Management can keep you updated on the progress of a claim. You can also submit your claims online.
Crime and Employee Dishonesty
My district has had some problems with employee theft. While we have not yet had a major loss from employee crime, I would like to address this issue now. Can you help us address this problem?
Yes. You can schedule a visit with a loss control specialist by calling John Buckley with The Sandner Group's Loss Control department, at 800-654-9504.
How do I make certain my district has sufficient coverage against loss related to theft?
Your Sandner Group Agent can help you to determine the coverage you need. The ISDA property/casualty program is designed to offer school districts across Illinois with the flexible coverage necessary to meet their needs.
Education Foundations
My district has an affiliated Education Foundation. Are the activities of the Foundation covered by our School Board Legal Liability Program?
No. Since the Education Foundation is a separate, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) entity (i.e.: not a public entity), the Foundation must purchase its own coverage to protect the Foundation and its board members from claims of liability. More information on SFIP.
Equipment Purchases
My district is purchasing a new computer system. How do I make certain this is covered under our existing coverage?
All equipment and property of ISDA member school districts is covered. However, when you make a major new equipment purchase, whether it is additional or replacement equipment, you'll need to update your coverage. You can keep your coverage current by informing your Sandner Group Agent about the new equipment. The addition of equipment to your coverage could affect your contribution.
Field Trips
Our school district frequently sponsors field trips. How do we obtain a certificate of coverage?
Certificates of coverage may be necessary for any activity sponsored by your district away from school district property. This type of activity includes, but is not limited to, field trips, graduation ceremonies, class trips, school-sponsored organizations and clubs, and sporting events. Your district can obtain a certificate of coverage by contacting your local Sandner Group Agent. Depending on the specifics of the request, your contribution might be affected.
The Sandner Group - Insurance Program Managers
The Sandner Group - Insurance Program Managers is listed as the Program Manager for both WCSIT and ISDA. What and who exactly is The Sandner Group?
The Sandner Group is a Chicago-based self-insurance program administration company. As Program Manager for WCSIT and ISDA, The Sandner Group provides underwriting, loss control, financial, and board and member services to members of WCSIT and ISDA. The Sandner Group is also responsible for coordinating and monitoring the services of other WCSIT and ISDA service providers--actuaries, auditors, marketing, investment firms, claims administration, legal counsel and reinsurance sources. The Sandner Group employs experienced specialists in the various disciplines required to successfully administer both WCSIT and ISDA.
Outside Events
Our school district is sponsoring a cross country meet. The meet will be held in a city park. How do we obtain a certificate of coverage?
Certificates of coverage may be necessary for any activity sponsored by your district away from school district property. This type ofactivity includes, but is not limited to, graduation ceremonies, field trips, class trips, school-sponsored organizations and clubs and sporting events. Your district can obtain a certificate of coverage by contacting your local Sandner Group Agent.
School Board Legal Liability
How do I obtain an application for School Board Legal Liability Coverage?
Districts that are members of ISDA are eligible for the School Board Legal Liability Program as a benefit of membership. To make certain that your district's coverage is up to date and accurate, you'll need to submit an application at the time of your renewal. Your Sandner Group Agent will process your renewal and submit it for consideration.
What is the maximum limit of liability offered by the School Board Legal Liability Program?
School districts protected by the School Board Legal Liability Program are covered for up to $10 million, with the following defense coverage sub limits: $250,000 for claims arising out of breach of contract with suppliers and contractors, employment disputes and redistricting activities, and $500,000 for claims arising out of special education hearings.
Do I have to be a WCSIT or ISDA member to purchase the coverage offered through the School Board Legal Liability Program?
No. The School Board Legal Liability Program is available to help protect board members and employees of all public school districts in the state of Illinois.
How do I report a claim or incident?
If your district has a claim or thinks it might have a claim, promptly call the School Board Legal Liability Claims Attorney at 312-930-6125 or by fax at 312-906-8116.
Whom can I contact for more information?
Call Winston Wilcox, Underwriter, Brokers' Risk at 800-255-1195 or send him an e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
School Sponsored Clubs, Field Trips, Outside Activities
Our school district sponsors several clubs. How do we obtain a certificate of coverage to indemnify the clubs when they're engaged in activities away from the district?
Certificates of coverage may be necessary for any activity sponsored by your district away from school district property. This includes, but is not limited to, school-sponsored organizations and clubs, graduation ceremonies, field trips, class trips, and sporting events. Your district can obtain a certificate of coverage by contacting your local Sandner Group Agent.
Treasurer's Bond
How do I obtain an application for the School District Treasurer's Bond?
You can obtain an application by calling the School District Treasurer's Bond Underwriter at 800-654-9504. Please click here to download the application on-line. Save up to 60 percent of the average bond coverage costs.
Do I have to be a WCSIT or ISDA member to purchase the coverage offered through the School District Treasurer's Bond?
No. The School District Treasurer's Bond Program is available through Brokers' Risk to help protect all public school districts in the State of Illinois.
I need to get a Special Purpose Treasurer's Bond for my district. Which part of the application do I need to fill out?
There is a separate application for special purpose bonds, Click Here to Download.
Do you need signatures from both the district treasurer and superintendent?
Yes. We need both signatures for our files. According to the Illinois School Code, it is the school district Superintendent's responsibility to make certain that a bond is in-force for the district's Treasurer. Likewise, the district Treasurer needs to be aware of the district's bonds and their amounts.
Can I fax in my application?
Yes. We can begin underwriting your application from a faxed copy. We cannot, however, issue a bond until we have received an original completed application with signatures for our files.
Who do I contact if I need more information on the School District Treasurer's Bond Program?You can contact either your local Sandner Group Agent or call the Sandner Group School District Treasurer's Bond Underwriter toll-free at800-654-9504.
Vehicles and Drivers
My district has just ordered new buses for the next school year. How do I make certain the new buses are covered?
To make certain the new buses (or any other new vehicles) are covered as soon as they are delivered, you should contact your Sandner Group Agent. Your agent will need to know the manufacturer, model year, and whether or not there is a loan on the vehicles, as well as other details about the buses. You can save time by having the manufacturer's information sheet at hand before you call. Be certain to let your Sandner Group Agent know if the new buses are replacements or additions to your existing fleet. If they are replacements, your Sandner Group Agent will need to delete the old buses from your coverage.
How will adding a new car to our coverage affect our district's contribution?
The impact on your contribution depends upon several factors, including what type of car you add, and whether it is an additional vehicle or a replacement vehicle. Your Sandner Group Agent can add the new vehicle to your coverage, and your agent will also be able to evaluate the car's impact on your contribution level.
One of my district's drivers is retiring. How do I make certain the replacement driver is covered?
As with any change in your coverage, you should contact your Sandner Group Agent as soon as possible. Your agent will make certain your coverage is up to date. You will have to provide your agent with the name, date of birth and driver's license number of the new driver.
I need a breakout of the cost of covering my district's vehicles. How do I obtain this?
Vehicle contribution breakouts can be obtained by contacting Karen Jones, Senior Policy Administrator, The Sandner Group, at 800-654-9504 or fax your request to 312-627-8888. Vehicle contribution breakouts separate the contribution amount by buses, district cars and trucks, and driver's education vehicles.