Winter 2026

Winter Driving Safety Tips

By Matt Komac, MTSBA/MSGIA Assistant Director of PC Pool Operations

Winter in Montana brings challenging driving conditions that can affect a school district’s ability to safely transport students and staff. Snow, ice, limited visibility, and extreme cold require deliberate adjustments to normal driving habits. This guide provides structured best practices to help ensure safe winter travel for all district drivers. Click here to read more.

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Don’t Be Confused by Fads and Hype: Ergonomics Simplified 

Understanding Ergonomics

By Annette Satterly, MTSBA/MSGIA Risk Management Associate

Ergonomics is the science of fitting the workspace to the worker, not the other way around. When done correctly, it helps prevent aches, pains, and repetitive strain injuries often called “overwork syndromes,” or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Fitting the workspace to the work sounds simple, but the challenge lies in history and habits. Much of today’s equipment design is rooted in World War II standards, built for the “average” 19-year-old male of that era (5'10"–6', 180–210 lbs.). Those historical standards do not reflect today’s diverse workforce (ie… Annette and Brenda individually barely break 5’3”).  Add to that a wave of modern fads and flashy “ergonomic” gadgets that often don’t deliver, and it’s easy to lose sight of what really works. Click here for more.

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Safety Committees: Best Practices in Montana Schools

By Shawn Bubb, MTSBA/MSGIA Director of Insurance Services

Creating a strong safety culture in a school district can prevent accidents, reduce costs, and build trust among staff, students, and the community. An integral part of the culture is having a highly engaged safety committee, that plays both proactive (prevention) and reactive (responding to incidents) role. Click here to read more.

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Smart Chemical Management for Schools

By Annette Satterly, MTSBA/MSGIA Risk Management Associate

Have you ever stopped to consider how many chemicals are present in your school building(s)? Once you start counting, you are going to be surprised. Think about all the areas where chemicals may be stored: science classrooms, art rooms, industrial arts and vocational agriculture shops, kitchens and FCS rooms, custodial closets, classrooms, offices, and the transportation shop, to name a few. Now, consider how (and if) all those chemicals are inventoried and disposed of when needed. Click here to read more

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