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 325 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.

Dr. Ryan Sherman has served as the Executive Director of Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. since Oct. 2022. As a former board member, he gained keen insight on the value of the organization and a deep appreciation of the dedicated staff. In Dr. Sherman’s capacity as a superintendent for 18 years, he served on a myriad of state and local athletic and academic committees, as well as the Chairperson of the WSWHE Health Insurance consortium. Through those experiences, Dr. Sherman gained insight into the importance of insurance plans and the impact on families and students.

Prior to working for Pupil Benefits, Dr. Sherman spent 25 years working in education, with more than half of his career as Superintendent of Schuylerville CSD. Prior to Schuylerville, he served as the superintendent of schools for the Argyle Central School District, as well as the district’s Junior-Senior High School Principal.

Executive Committee 2023-2024

Dr. Ryan Sherman – Executive Director
Michael Graney – President, Queensbury
Michael Kardash – Vice-President, Stillwater
Gregg Barthelmas – Recording Secretary
Dr. Stanley Maziejka, Glens Falls
Ted DeVoe, Branchport
Todd Gonyeau, Hudson Falls

Board of Directors 2023-2024

Beecher Baker – Retired Superintendent/School Board Member, Queensbury, NY, new
Gregg Barthelmas – Superintendent, Schuylerville CSD, 1 year
Dr. Nick Belasco, DO, CAQSM – Sports Medicine, Sugar Loaf, 7 years
Dr. David Civale – Chiropractor, Scotia, 24 years
Dr. Ron Clamser – Assistant Superintendent, Dobbs Ferry, 5 years
Tom Combs – Executive Director, Section XI, Smithtown, 5 years
Marian Chrisman – Retired Business Administrator, Northville, NY, new
Joshua Dann – Principal, Saranac Lake CSD, new
Ted Devoe – Business Relations Associate, Branchport, 8 years
Dr. Daniel DiChristina – Orthopedic Surgeon, Syracuse, 4 years
Dr. Brita Donovan – Superintendent, Galway, 5 years
Lisa Failla – Assistant Superintendent, Monticello, 5 years
Todd Gonyeau – Retired Principal, Hudson Falls CSD, new
Michael Graney – Superintendent, Bolton CSD, 7 years
Dr. Corey Green – Superintendent, Owego-Apalachin CSD, 2 years
Glen Jones – Physician’s Assistant, Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, 10 years
Dr. Stanley Maziejka – Retired Superintendent, Stillwater CSD, 15 years
Dr. Michael McCarthy – Retired Superintendent, Mechanicville, 19 years
Scott Nephew – Superintendent, Ticonderoga CSD, new
Carl Normandin – Executive Director Section 10, Canton, 10 years
James Rose – Director of Health, PE and Athletics, Yonkers, 5 years
Nelson Wong MD – Physiatrist, Middletown, 2 years
Jeffrey Ziegler – Retired Superintendent, Fort Edward UFSD, 6 years