Who We Are

KNOW WHAT
A REAL SAFETY
PARTNER
FEELS LIKE

We Are A Non-Profit Risk-Sharing Pool

CharterSAFE is the only non-profit risk-sharing pool and membership organization with the sole purpose of addressing the shared risks of California charter schools. We provide a reliable, comprehensive, and charter-specific option for insurance and school safety. CharterSAFE is uniquely positioned to help California’s charter schools limit risk and serve as their long-term solution to weathering difficult insurance market conditions. Founded by charter leaders in 2004, CharterSAFE currently serves over 850 school sites across California, accounting for 40% of California charter schools.

Our program goes beyond the conventional scope of insurance by protecting both physical and reputational assets, so charter school leaders can focus on what they do best – educating students.

 

Our Members Are Our Owners

As a member of CharterSAFE, you are not only insured, you are an owner. Our members elect our Board of Directors, all of whom are veteran leaders from the charter school movement whose experience, perspective, and passion drive our work forward. Member schools also hold a proportional share of the CharterSAFE cash surplus and can participate in the future distribution of equity of cash dividends or reductions in member contributions. 

This ownership model is standard for a JPA, or Joint Powers Authority, like CharterSAFE. As a JPA, CharterSAFE represents a contract between hundreds of charter schools. Because we’re dedicated exclusively to supporting California charter schools, we’re better able to protect schools from risks. In other words, we provide member schools solutions that are not available to schools that purchase stand-alone policies from for-profit insurance companies.

As a JPA, we also reach economies of scale in achieving common goals such as lower insurance costs, shared risk management, and school safety resources. With a vested interest in smart operational management and fiscal integrity, CharterSAFE achieves these goals through group purchasing, self-insurance, and the expertise of a skilled team of risk management and human resource professionals.

 

Slips, Trips & Falls safety & loss

Managing your risks at every step

Whether it is the day to day hazards that exist for your students and staff or a new operation you are contemplating – our risk management staff can help you mitigate your risks.


"CharterSAFE has been a great partner to us for many years. You won't find a more comprehensive program or one that is more tailored to the needs of charter schools. Their risk management team is always available to answer our questions and provide sage advice."

Eric Barlow, STEM Prep, Los Angeles


“I am delighted about the incredible support we receive from the CharterSAFE HR Team. They are invaluable, supportive, and most importantly, I feel like I am never alone when facing difficult situations. Having a strong partner that is working with me side-by-side makes me feel very grateful and appreciative beyond anything else.”

Khouanesiva Rodriguez, Big Picture Educational Academy, Fresno


"As a director of an independent charter school, I find that CharterSAFE provides exceptional services. We have used CharterSAFE for over 6 years and we find that the staff is friendly and helpful, responding immediately to our questions and needs. They are extremely competitive on their prices and I would highly recommend CharterSAFE to any charter school administrator who wants insurance coverage for their school without any of the headaches!"

Roger Coy, Three Rivers Charter School, Northern California


"CharterSAFE is a trusted partner, providing our organization with subject matter expertise and excellent customer service. They help us manage risk, comply with insurance requirements and save money!"

Samon Bravo-Karimi, Bright Star Schools, Los Angeles


“The guidance, expertise and support of the JPA staff have allowed us to drastically reduce our exposure to the many risks associated with running public schools. Furthermore, their detailed efforts to help with our processes, procedures, employee handbooks and even some hiring decisions have significantly improved our risk management.”

Parker Hudnut, ICEF Public Schools, Los Angeles

Are JPA (Joint Powers Authority) services different than insurance company services?

A JPA is a contract between two or more similar public agencies for the purpose of economies of scale in achieving common goals. JPA members are its owners. CharterSAFE’s goal is to lower insurance cost and share risk management and school safety resources for all California charter school members through group purchasing, self-insurance and a team of risk management and HR experts. We do it governed by a Board of Directors comprised of your peers—California charter school leaders with a vested interest in smart operational management and fiscal integrity.


Are JPA’s safer than insurance?

In the last 40 years, 761 Insurance companies have become financially impaired, compared to only 1 JPA. A JPA is a contract between two or more similar public agencies for the purpose of economies of scale in achieving common goals. JPA members are its owners. CharterSAFE’s goal is to lower insurance cost and share risk management and school safety resources for all California charter school members through group purchasing, self-insurance and a team of risk management and HR experts. We do it governed by a Board of Directors comprised of your peers—California charter school leaders with a vested interest in smart operational management and fiscal integrity.