HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a significant change in rates and program design for the current year because of higher rates, property insurance costs have stabilized for USD 308 and will be slightly lower for next year.
The Hutchinson School Board approved the district’s contract with Fee Insurance for $259,683, a drop of $1,752 from last year. The district was forced to restructure its insurance after an extreme weather year in 2013-14 led to proposed rates that were significantly higher. Even with the restructured policy, the 2014 renewal was $32,227 higher than in 2013. Coverage does include earthquake insurance. The district has carried earthquake insurance since 2012.
The Board also approved spending $148,375 of capital outlay money for 76 additional security cameras for Hutchinson High School. A review of security by a representative of the Department of Homeland Security led district staff to believe additional cameras were needed. The cameras also are expected to help district staff with bullying and other student conduct issues.
Capital outlay funds are restricted to repairs and other non-classroom-teaching costs in the district.