Risk Management
Mesquite ISD Risk Management
Contact Us
Risk Management Department
2133 North Belt Line Road
Mesquite, TX 75150
FAX: 972-882-5565
PHONE: 972-882-5561
James Gadsden III
Executive Director of Risk Management and Operations
The Risk Management Department endeavors to provide superior customer service and reliable programs in support of the district's mission. The risk management function is a key component to addressing various operational goals of the district. These components include accident prevention for employees and minimization of property losses and liability claims. Historically, risk management has reviewed insurance coverage, analyzed exposures to loss, and implemented programs to meet regulatory compliance and district policy requirements for safety and loss control. These functions include the following:
- Developing programs to protect district employees and students from injury and/or exposure to harmful elements
- Identifying operational exposures and determining the most advantageous way to manage risks for those exposures
- Gather annual information on losses, property values, and operational changes for insurance carriers and seek proposals to provide broadest insurance protection for best dollar value spent
- Prepare all necessary insurance applications for various coverage policies
- Coordinate and manage claims for workers' compensation as well as property/casualty, on behalf of the district
- Review claims history for trend identification/loss prevention
- Assist in review of contracts for insurance and liability issues
Risk Management Resources
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MSDS Online provides employees with immediate access to chemical information sheets (SDSs) in case of an accident involving chemicals. The chemical information sheets (SDSs) are attached to each district location. Simply select your location and you will have access to the information provided by your location on the chemical inventory sheets that are submitted to Risk Management yearly.
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Risk Management manages a broad and complex blanket of property insurance coverage of all 62 schools and support facilities, which have an insured value of more than $1.2 billion.
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Includes the administration of all unemployment claims through a third-party contract with Experian Employer Services; transmittal of all information related to claims; liaison between supervisors and the claims adjuster; and attendance at dispute hearings before the Texas Workforce Commission.
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Public school districts are immune for bodily injury to students and the public (except for limited liability for negligent operation and use of a motorized vehicle) as provided in the Texas Tort Claims Act § 101.021 and §101.051.
Parents or guardians may not have medical coverage for their student. Therefore, the district offers a low-cost student accident insurance coverage plan through Student Insurance Plans. Enrollment forms are available from the campus secretary or online.
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Employees who are injured at work should report injuries to Risk Management within 24 business hours. Remember these important procedures:
- If the injured employee must seek medical care, he or she MUST contact Risk Management.
- Ambulances and emergency rooms should be used for life-threatening injuries only.
- Supervisors should contact Risk Management if an injured employee does not report to work after seeking medical care.
The following downloadable/printable/fillable forms and documents should be used when documenting and reporting on-the-job injuries:
First Report of Injury Form – English
First Report of Injury Form – Spanish
Employee/Witness Written Statement – English
Employee/Witness Written Statement – SpanishEmployee Acknowledgement – EnglishEmployee Acknowledgement – Spanish
OPTUM First Fill Prescription Card – English and Spanish
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- Authorization to Transport Students in Private (added Feb. 2026)
- Employee Acknowledgement Form ENG( added 7/24)
- Employee Acknowledgement Form SPA (added 7/24)
- First Report of Injury ENG (updated 5/23)
- First Report of Injury SPA (updated 5/23)
- First Report of Injury Written Statement ENG (added 7/22)
- First Report of Injury Written Statement SPA (added 7/24)
- Work Injuries and How to Report Them (added 7/24)
- Vehicle Accident Report (Updated 10/22)
- Optum Workers' Compensation Prescription
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The School Crossing Guard Program, under the direction of the Risk Management department, is an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Mesquite and Mesquite ISD, which provides increased safety for children while walking to and from school. Crossing Guards assist pedestrians at clearly marked and designated pedestrian crossings. Mesquite ISD is responsible for the hiring, training, assignment, discipline, and dismissal of all crossing guards in accordance with all applicable laws and provide equipment and uniforms. In addition to Mesquite, the program serves the communities of Balch Springs, Dallas, and Garland.
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