Votes at a glance: Board approves $20,877 technology assistance match, renews student accident insurance

The Mercer County Board of Education approved two roll-call items during the meeting: acceptance of a second offer of assistance for technology funds totaling $20,877 and renewal of the district's student accident insurance with no change in coverage cost.

The technology assistance Board members reviewed materials that staff said were supplied by the Kentucky Department of Education regarding a second offer of assistance for technology. The offer amount is $20,877. A staff presenter told the board that the district already has matching funds set aside in the budget and that the funds would typically be used for classroom technology such as Chromebooks. The motion to accept the second offer of assistance was made by Mr. McGovern and seconded by a board member; the board approved the motion on a roll-call vote with the following result: Amber Franceschi, Yes; Amy Hart, Yes; Billy Montgomery, Yes; Pruett (District 4), Yes; Randy Phillips, Yes. The motion carried.

Student accident insurance renewal The board then considered renewal of the district's student accident insurance. Staff presented renewal numbers and said there was no change in the cost or coverage from the prior year; the district uses Robert's Insurance to secure coverage. A motion to renew the student accident insurance was made and seconded; the board approved the renewal on a roll-call vote: Amber Franceschi, Yes; Amy Hart, Yes; Billy Montgomery, Yes; Pruett (District 4), Yes; Randy Phillips, Yes.

What the votes mean Board members recorded unanimous approval for both measures. Staff said the technology funds will be matched from the district budget and used for classroom technology purchases or upgrades, and that the insurance renewal continues the district's existing coverage arrangement with its broker.