Top 5 Risks That Can Derail Your Semester

The start of the school year is filled with excitement, but without proactive risk oversight, small issues can quickly spiral. District leaders and risk managers should keep an eye on these common pain points:

1. Transportation Glitches: New drivers, route changes, and congested drop-off zones increase accident risks. Conduct dry runs, monitor routes, and train staff on student loading procedures.
2. Auxiliary Staffing Levels: Ensure safe staffing levels and remind teams about injury prevention practices.
3. Cyber Threats: August is prime time for phishing attacks and system breaches. Reinforce cyber hygiene and secure access controls.
4. Facility Failures: HVAC breakdowns and plumbing issues often emerge after summer downtime. Confirm preventive maintenance is complete.
5. Training Gaps: Ensure new hires, long-term substitutes, and temporary staff are trained in emergency protocols, safety policies, and job-specific expectations.

Tips for Success

• Hold weekly check-ins with department leads during the first 30 days of school to identify and resolve issues early.
• Use the Texas School Safety Center and TASB Risk Management Fund resources to benchmark readiness and guide interventions.

The first few weeks of school set the tone for the year. By identifying and addressing common operational risks—like transportation issues, staffing gaps, cyber threats, and facility failures—district leaders can prevent small problems from becoming major disruptions. Weekly check-ins, clear communication, and trusted resources like the Texas School Safety Center and TASB Risk Management Fund will help ensure a smooth, safe, and successful start to the school year.