Pupil Benefits Plan originated in 1932 with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSSPHA). Identifying a need for accident insurance in schools, the first athletes were covered in the fall of 1932 for $.40 cents per student! In 1941, the growth and popularity of the coverage gained attention from the NYS Insurance Department. Deemed a viable insurance option, a separate corporation was formed that reported directly to the NYS Insurance Department.

The corporation became Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. once K-12 coverage was added. Initially operating out of Manhattan, Pupil Benefits Plan eventually moved to the Albany area in 1950, where it has resided ever since. In all, there has been only five executive directors since the inception of the organization, with an unwavering mission: be certain the Plan functions for the schools, by the schools and through the schools.

Staying true to that fundamental, Pupil Benefits Plan is governed by school officials (superintendents, business officials, principals, athletic directors and other professionals), who are instrumental in shaping the direction of the organization. Meet our Leadership Team >

Pupil Benefits Plan has spent nine decades evolving into a respected organization that now serves as the official student accident insurance for NYSPHSAA. Today, our membership is strong with almost 50% of New York districts utilizing what is essentially their own plan, thus forming a sizable consortium.

Our members are most important. We currently protect 600,000 students in 330 school districts across New York. Former Executive Director, Tom McGuire said, “With the principle of maintaining a strong membership being first and foremost, the membership will always enable the Plan to take care of the unfortunate things that happen to some of them.”

By offering customized plans that meet the needs of individual schools, Pupil Benefits Plan covers students in school and away — from the morning bus ride, throughout the day in class, gym, on the playground. We also cover after-school activities, evening games, and off-campus field trips. View our Plans and Options.

Michael (Mike) Graney comes to Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. after a 33-year career in education. Mike began his career as a physical education teacher and coach before becoming a Principal for the Ticonderoga Central School District in 2002.  Since 2014, he has served as the Superintendent in the Bolton Central School District.

During this time, Mike served on the NYSPHSAA Central Committee and on the WSWHE Health Insurance Consortium Executive Committee. As a result, Mike has gained valuable experience with numerous health insurance plans and the benefit they can have on students and families.

In addition, Mike has served on the Pupil Benefits Board, the Executive Committee and as the Recording Secretary.

Executive Committee 2024-2025

Michael Graney – Executive Director
Dr. Stanley Maziejka – President, Queensbury
Michael Kardash – Vice-President, Stillwater
Jeffrey Ziegler – Recording Secretary
Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC – Council
Dr. Ryan Sherman, Saratoga Springs
Ted DeVoe, Branchport
Todd Gonyeau, Hudson Falls

Board of Directors 2024-2025

Kelsey Allen – Health & Physical Ed Dept. Head, Saratoga City SD, new
Beecher Baker – Retired Supt./School Board Member, Queensbury, NY, 1 year
Dr. Nick Belasco, DO, CAQSM – Sports Medicine, Sugar Loaf, 8 years
Marian Chrisman – Retired Business Administrator, Northville, NY, 1 year
Blair Ciccarelli – Physician Assistant, Saratoga Hospital, new
Dr. David Civale – Chiropractor, Scotia, 25 years
Dr. Ron Clamser – Assistant Superintendent, Dobbs Ferry, 6 years
Tom Combs – Executive Director, Section XI, Smithtown, 6 years
Joshua Dann – Principal, Saranac Lake CSD, 1 year
Ted Devoe – Business Relations Associate, Branchport, 9 years
Dr. Daniel DiChristina – Orthopedic Surgeon, Syracuse, 5 years
Dr. Brita Donovan – Superintendent, Galway, 6 years
Lisa Failla – Assistant Superintendent, Monticello, 6 years
Dr. Justin Gardner – Superintendent, Willsboro CSD, new
Todd Gonyeau – Retired Principal, Hudson Falls CSD, 1 year
Dr. Corey Green – Superintendent, Owego-Apalachin CSD, 3 years
Michael Kardash – Retired Athletic Director, Stillwater CSD, 7 years
Dr. Stanley Maziejka – Retired Superintendent, Stillwater CSD, 16 years
Dr. Michael McCarthy – Retired Superintendent, Mechanicville, 20 years
Scott Nephew – Superintendent, Ticonderoga CSD, 1 year
James Rose – Director of Health, PE and Athletics, Yonkers, 6 years
Dr. Ryan Sherman, Supt., Schuylerville CSD, Saratoga Springs, new
Nelson Wong MD – Physiatrist, Middletown, 3 years
Jeffrey Ziegler – Superintendent, Fort Edward UFSD, 7 years