Executive director gives board a reports on education foundation’s progress
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio
Tuesday, June 21, 2016, 11:55 p.m. — The Nelson County Board of Education was pleased Tuesday with its progress report on the Nelson County Schools Community Support Foundation from its director, Dorothy White.
Tim Hockensmith, the district’s chief operating officer, explains the district’s insurance bids and his recommendations.
A new logo and a tagline (“A Foundation Building Futures”) are ready to go, as well as a promotional piece, she said.
White said she is close to finalizing a corporate sponsorship deal with LG&E/KU, she said.
The utility companies are also interested in a series of scholarships that could include students who might want to consider a career track as a utility employee, and possibly an opportunity for a student to benefit from a scholarship to pay for electric lineman’s training. Students who complete the training would have a guaranteed job with LG&E, she said.
White also told the board she is preparing for a fundraising campaign for later in the year, and continues to network with local business and industry officials for possible sponsorship opportunities.
INSURANCE. The district spends about $450,000 a year for insurance coverage, but Tim Hockensmith, the district’s chief operating officer, said insurance companies were able to come up with insurance quotes for 2017 that will save the district some money.
The property and liability insurance premium will increase by $1,990 to $273,429. Workers comp insurance will drop $1,480 to $120,110, and student insurance coverage will drop $3,802. The quotes for 2017 represent an overall savings of about $3,292, he said.
Board member Damon Jackey listens during discussion of insurance proposals at Tuesday’s board of education meeting.
Student insurance covers student injuries that may happen on school grounds or in school vehicles. State law only requires school districts to provide insurance for student athletes, but the school board has opted for several years to provide coverage for the district’s students.
The board approved the recommended insurance bids.
In other action, the board:
— approved the salary book for fiscal year 2017, which will be the same as 2016.
— approved documentation in order to complete the state Department of Education final requirements to close out the Cox’s Creek Elementary energy project. The documentation confirms the project has been completed.
— approved advertising a request for proposals for an energy saving project at Bloomfield Middle School. BMS is the only district school that is heated with natural gas, Hockensmith said.
— approved the 2017 student code of conduct.
— approved continuing the district’s membership in the Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative and the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation. Both organizations provide a variety of services to the district.
— approved the budgets and contracts for the district’s Family Resource and Youth Service Center for 2017.
— approved the district’s master schedules for 2016-17.
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