Fall 2025

Important Teacher Housing Updates: New Workers' Compensation Payroll Reporting Rules for 2025-2026 School Year

by Shawn Bubb, MTSBA/MSGIA Director of Insurance Services

As housing shortages continue to impact many Montana communities, school districts are finding innovative ways to support their staff. One such initiative involves providing housing at reduced rates, but this comes with new payroll reporting rules you need to understand. Click here to read more

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New MSGIA Vector Safe Schools Courses for the 2025-2026 School Year

by Shawn Bubb, MTSBA/MSGIA Director of Insurance Services

At MSGIA, we are committed to providing current and relevant training opportunities for your staff. For the upcoming school year, we are excited to introduce 18 new Vector Safe Schools courses across three essential topic areas: Cybersecurity, Custodial and Maintenance, and Paraprofessional training. Read more here

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Cybersecurity Threats Are Evolving: How Schools Can Stay Ahead

by Matt Komac, Assistant Director of PC Pool Operations

The cybersecurity landscape for schools is shifting rapidly and threats are becoming more aggressive and harder to detect. While traditional risks such as ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, and business email compromise (BEC) remain prevalent, school districts now face a new era of threats driven by artificial intelligence (AI). Click here to read more

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Navigating Workers' Compensation for Student Work-Based Learning Experiences

by Brenda Koch, School Risk Manager

As Montana school districts continue to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities and work-based learning programs, understanding workers' compensation requirements has become increasingly important. With the passage of HB 283 in 2021, which amended Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 39-71-118(7)(b), districts now have clearer guidelines and options for ensuring proper coverage when students participate in workplace learning experiences. Click here to read more

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The Importance of Policies and Procedures for Managing Volunteers in School District Activities

by Kevin Bartsch, Assistant Director, Workers Compensation Pool Operations

As we begin a new school year, we want to underscore the importance of having well-established policies in place for managing volunteers at district-related events. Effective volunteer management requires attention to several key areas:

Establishing Clear Expectations

Volunteers play a valuable role in enhancing the educational experience, supporting extracurricular activities, and building stronger school-community relationships. However, without well-defined policies and procedures, volunteer engagement can become inconsistent, inefficient, or even problematic. Click here to read more

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