Middlesboro High School student John Hayden Burnside came before the board on Monday and talked about his recent educational trip to the Everglades — which the board approved. Burnside explained that his uncle was a Fish and Wildlife Biologist in Florida, and said that he recently got the opportunity to explore the subtropical wetlands of Florida with him — learning of area wildlife, fishing regulations, and more.
The board decided to stay with Kentucky School Boards Insurance Trust (KSBIT) as the district’s primary insurance provider — even after a recent merger with the Kentucky League of Cities.
According to a recent report, KSBIT covers close to half of Kentucky's 174 school districts for risks ranging from school bus accidents to compensation for sick or injured employees.
Middlesboro Superintendent Rita Cook said that KSBIT has been the district’s insurance carrier for many years and will continue to be.
“We were concerned at first because of the recent merger... but felt confident that they would continue to provide us with the appropriate services,” Cook explained.
“I think that a majority of schools in the state are staying with them, so that speaks highly of the work they have done in the past,” she added.
The other board members were in complete agreement with the decision and it was promptly approved.
The board then decided continue the district’s student accident insurance — which provides coverage for injuries that might come about in a school-related activity — through Scholastic Insurers.
“We have had good experiences and responses from Scholastic when we’ve had a claim. Our premium costs have increased for next year, but when we checked with other districts we felt that we are still being offered a good service for a fair price,” explained Cook.
The board chose not to reduce coverage benefits — which was an option to decrease their premium — because they wanted to maintain a strong level of support to families and students.
Cook added that for some students, accident insurance is their only source of coverage — or it at least helps to supplement their family insurance and decrease their costs.
“If a student is injured at school, we want them to have access to quality medical services. It is important for the district to provide this coverage,” Cook said.
“If we have a child hurt, then we need to do all that we can for them,” expressed Facilities Manager and Board Treasurer Larry Adams.
“Considering the students and their needs, I think we should go ahead and approve this partnership with Scholastic Insurance,” Cook maintained.
All were in favor of the decision.
In other official school business, the MBOE addressed and/or discussed the following items:
• Approved financial reports as presented from Middlesboro High School, Middlesboro Middle School, Middlesboro Intermediate School, and Middlesboro Primary School.
• Building reports were given by each district principal updating the board state and MAP Testing, end of the year events and activities, and summer school scheduling.
• Approved the cafeteria report, financial report, and the payment of monthly bills and salaries.
• Approved a regular payment to First State Bank of Pineville in the amount of $104,488.90 (Facilities Construction Bond).
• Superintendent Cook gave a brief report on personnel.
• The board approved an end-of-year book fair at Middlesboro Intermediate School for May 24th through June 1st, as members agreed it was important for children to read and learn in the summer months.
• Approved the minutes of the April 19th, 2010 regular-called meeting, and May 6th, 2010 special called board meeting.
• Marr, Miller and Myers, PSC — a firm of independent, certified public accountants based out of Corbin, Ky. — was approved to provide auditing services for the fiscal year ending in June 2010.
The next MBOE meeting will be held at the Central Office on June 21, 2010, at 6 p.m.
Adam Young is a Staff Writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted by e-mail at ayoung@middlesborodailynews.com.
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