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 over 340 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 2025-2026

Michael Graney – Executive Director
Dr. Stanley Maziejka – President, Queensbury
Dr. Ryan Sherman – Vice-President, Saratoga Springs
Mark Bessen – Recording Secretary, Queensbury
Todd Gonyeau, Hudson Falls
Scott Nephew – Ticonderoga
Jeffrey Ziegler – Queensbury
Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC – Council

Board of Directors 2025-2026

Beecher Baker – Retired Supt./School Board Member, Queensbury, NY, 3 years
Dr. Nick Belasco, DO, CAQSM – Sports Medicine, Sugar Loaf, 10 years
Marian Chrisman – Retired Business Administrator, Northville, NY, 3 years
Blair Ciccarelli – Physician Assistant, Saratoga Hospital, 2 years
Dr. David Civale – Chiropractor, Scotia, 26 years
Dr. Ron Clamser – Assistant Superintendent PNW BOCES, 8 years
Tom Combs – Executive Director, Section XI, Smithtown, 8 years
Joshua Dann – Principal, Saranac Lake CSD, 3 years
Dr. Daniel DiChristina – Orthopedic Surgeon, Syracuse, 7 years
Dr. Brita Donovan – Superintendent, Galway CSD, 8 years
Mark Doody – Retired Supt., Hudson Falls CSD, 1 year
Joshua Ettinger – Day Automation, Business Relations, 1 year
Lisa Failla – Assistant Superintendent, Monticello CSD, 8 years
Dr. Justin Gardner – Superintendent, Willsboro CSD, 2 years
Todd Gonyeau – Retired Principal, Hudson Falls CSD, 3 years
Dr. Corey Green – Superintendent, Owego-Apalachin CSD, 5 years
Dr. Stanley Maziejka – Retired Supt., Stillwater CSD, 17 years
Scott Nephew – Superintendent, Ticonderoga CSD, 3 years
James Rose – Retired Dir. of Health, PE and Athletics, Yonkers, 8 years
Lynn Rutnik – Superintendent, Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, 1 year
Dr. Ryan Sherman – Supt., Schuylerville CSD, Saratoga Springs, 2 years
Elizabeth Viele – Business Manager, Granville CSD, 1 year
Nelson Wong MD – Physiatrist, Middletown, 5 years
Jeffrey Ziegler – Retired Supt., Fort Edward UFSD, 9 years