School Board approves OSAG workers' compensation insurance saving $40K

The Chickasha Public Schools Board convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss several key issues, including the approval of a new workers' compensation insurance provider and revisions to board policies regarding open records requests.

The board unanimously approved a recommendation to switch to the Oklahoma State Assurance Group (OSAG) for workers' compensation insurance. This decision follows a competitive bidding process that resulted in a premium of $138,283, which represents a significant savings of $40,000 compared to the previous year. Board members expressed confidence in OSAG, noting their positive past experiences and the support provided by Dr. Keith Weldon, the executive director of OSAG.

In addition to the insurance discussion, the board reviewed proposed changes to the district's policy on open records requests. The recommended adjustments include increasing the copying fee from 25 cents to 50 cents per page and raising the service charge from $25 to $30 per hour. These changes aim to better reflect the time and resources required to fulfill increasingly complex requests. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency while also ensuring that the district's staff can manage their workload effectively.

The meeting also included a consent agenda, which covered routine items typically approved in one vote. Board members discussed various financial reports and expressed interest in understanding the implications of certain expenditures, particularly regarding changes in costs for student activities.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency in operations, as well as their proactive approach to managing the district's resources effectively. The next steps will involve implementing the approved changes and continuing to monitor the district's financial health as the school year progresses.