During this coronavirus pandemic, federal and state legislators have enacted many changes to the laws which impact our schools. You will find that important benefit provisions, educational standards, employment practices and occupational safety requirements are now modified to adapt to the unique circumstances we’re now living under. Keenan has developed a number of Briefings and blog postings summarizing the changes affecting you along with links to the actual statutes, regulations or other agency guidance that provide the details.

When you have the opportunity to work from home, you certainly have a much shorter commute to deal with! But you may find there are challenges doing your job in the domestic environment that require physical, mental and even emotional adjustments to stay effective and productive. Whether working from home for you now is temporary, occasional, or your new normal, Keenan has created a microlearning web site as a resource to help you make it your best possible remote situation.

While we are all participating in social distancing and so many are working from home, rest assured that Keenan remains ready to serve you. Although we are working remotely, we are still as near as your phone or email whenever you need to contact us.

We are often reminded about our vulnerability to violence as active shooter incidents in schools erupt far too regularly. While our schools should be a safe place for students and staff, the frequency of campuses becoming crime scenes has been increasing. Statistically, active shooter incidents in schools are rare, but our awareness of these disturbing trends could be subjecting our school community members to greater stress. Prolonged exposure to these stresses can have an impact on the mental health of your employees.

The intensive media coverage of the coronavirus outbreak (now officially designated as COVID-19) could be raising many concerns in your local schools. Your staff and parents may have questions on what risks are faced in your schools. At least one case of bullying may have been motivated by fears about coronavirus. It’s helpful for all these community members to keep the fears of this new disease threat in perspective.

You are probably aware that the emerging learning concept of flexible seating in the classroom fosters greater creativity, movement, collaboration and student-centered environments. Flexible seating permits quick reconfiguration to a variety of activities and helps children to channel their energy into engagement. While there are positives to the 21^st century classroom, it’s important that any implementation you consider is accompanied by a thorough assessment of safety and security.

Curtains, shades, drapes and shutters are among the window covering options you may be considering for classrooms or other facilities in your schools. In addition to their capabilities, construction, materials and costs, you will also need to look closely at the risk management factors involved.

Keeping weeds under control on your school grounds is important for sanitation, pest control and fire safety, especially in communities prone to wildfires.

New California legislation takes effect January 1, 2020 affecting your benefit plans. Here is a quick reminder of these important changes.

To say the least, today’s families are busy. Packed schedules aren’t just a reality for parents. The kids have school, sports, and many other extracurricular activities. Getting everyone to the right place at the right time – above all, doing so safely – is a real challenge. You may have heard about ways technology is being employed as a problem-solver for helping get students from point A to point B using the ridesharing model.