Board approves $526,945 insurance budget estimate and purchase of three minivans

The board approved a business services committee recommendation to budget estimated annual insurance premiums of $526,945 for the 2025–26 school year and to purchase three replacement minivans, with vehicle costs not to exceed $120,000, during its July 7 meeting.

Business services staff told trustees that worker compensation and health‑insurance costs have risen after several large claims and that the district’s insurance usage moved above standard thresholds (staff noted a prior experience rating of 0.79 that rose to about 1.18 for the coming year), producing an estimated $99,000 increase in insurance expense from the prior year. The committee recommended funding the premiums from the district’s insurance budgets.

The committee also recommended replacing three aging minivans; staff said the district currently operates 21 minivans, three of which have exceeded 100,000 miles and likely need replacement. The board approved purchase authority for up to $120,000 to be paid from the 2025–26 transportation budget.

Trustees were also briefed on auditor engagement and two sizable donations: $32,500 from the Anne and Jerome Tork Foundation for Lincoln High School football and $35,000 from the Lincoln High School activity accounts for fitness center equipment.

Why it matters: higher insurance and benefit costs squeeze operating budgets and drive vehicle replacement decisions that affect transportation reliability and routine operations.

Decisions: the board approved the insurance premium estimate and the minivan purchase authority by roll call; staff will proceed with procurement and budget adjustments as authorized.