For more than 45 years, NYS School Safety Group 491 has been providing workers' compensation insurance solutions to New York's schools.

By assisting schools in promoting a safe work environment and reducing workplace injuries, aggressively managing claims, and offering a cost-effective premium, Safety Group 491 has been able to return over $102.5 million in dividends to its members.

Safety Group 491 is underwritten by the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF), directed by the Safety Group 497 Executive Committee, and managed by Fleury Risk Management.

Program Availability

Available to New York State pre K-12 schools including:

Public school districts
Charter schools
Private schools
Special education schools

Program Benefits

Fully insured - financially backed by the full faith and credit of the State of NY
Upfront policy discounts for qualified risks
Potential end-of-year dividends based on the group's performance
No claim liability for funding shortfalls or insolvency
Accident analysis and trending reports
Claim reserve reviews
Experience mod factor review and forecasting
Workers' compensation premium budget projections
Audit review and class code verification
Risk control services

Executive Committee

Jamie Phillips

Chair

Lancaster CSD

Eric Wilson

Vice Chair

Binghamton City SD

Jackson Graham

Chautauqua Lake CSD

Program Information

NYS Safety Group 491 Dividend History
Workers' Compensation Quote Sheet
Submission Requirements for a Quote
NYS Safety Group 491 Marketing Flyer

Harold "Hal" McCarthy Memorial Scholarship

The Harold "Hal" McCarthy Memorial Scholarship was established for the purpose of annually providing financial assistance to deserving individuals interested in pursuing a degree in education. A maximum of five (5) scholarships will be awarded annually at $1,000 per award.

The scholarship is sponsored by NYS School Safety Group 491's Executive Committee and is dedicated to the memory of Hal McCarthy. McCarthy was a founding member of Safety Group 491 as well as past superintendent and school business official at Guilderland Central School District in Guilderland, NY. This scholarship honors McCarthy's spirit, dedication, and service to his community.

Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled (or planning to enroll) in an accredited two- to four-year college or university with a course concentration in education.
Applicants must be a graduating senior from a 491 member school (or the child of a parent who is employed at a 491 member school).
Submit a completed packet including:

Scholarship application (available for download here)
Certified school transcripts
Two (2) letters of recommendation
An original essay of at least 250 words

All materials must be submitted no later than February 1st.