The Knox County Board of Education on June 5 approved amended language to Policy E200 (Insurance Management) that clarifies the district can continue its current practice of requiring supplemental athletic insurance and paying unpaid expenses for student athletes unable to cover them.
The change passed after public comment from local sports medicine physicians and long-time sideline providers and a lengthy board discussion about fiscal risk and equity.
Board members and staff said the policy revisions are intended to make the district’s authority and practice “crystal clear” while buying time to seek lower-cost insurance options and to consider sources for roughly a $150,000 annual gap staff identified.
In a presentation before the vote, Superintendent Reiswick summarized staff’s recommendation: approve the clarified policy language so the district can keep requiring supplemental coverage this year, continue the practice of paying outstanding claims at year end from district funds if families cannot, and convene additional discussions with partners and risk management to seek alternatives for future years. Mr. Wright moved to approve the proposed version 2 of Policy E200 and requested first‑reading approval; Ms. Christie seconded and the motion carried.
Doctors who spoke during the public forum urged the board to preserve broad coverage. “BMI paid and took care of that athlete,” said Dr. Amber Lune, a pediatric sports‑medicine physician with Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic, describing cases where the supplemental policy covered surgery after primary insurance denied claims. Dr. Greg Matheon, also with Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic, warned that underinsured and uninsured students would “bear a greater risk” if coverage were reduced.
Board members emphasized competing priorities: rising insurance costs place pressure on families and the district budget, while removing or narrowing coverage risks leaving lower‑income students without care. Board members asked staff to clarify how the district would respond if a student lost primary insurance mid‑season and whether the district could face legal claims for uncovered care; staff said those questions remain part of ongoing risk analysis.
The board directed staff to pursue several follow‑up steps: continue the current practice for the upcoming year, meet with partners including Knox County Orthopedics and athletics leadership to explore alternative insurance levels or community‑based solutions, and identify realized savings or line‑item transfers to cover the current year’s shortfall if necessary. Chief financial staff indicated they expect any district payment to be handled by realized savings or quarterly line‑item transfers rather than an immediate new appropriation.
The vote approved the amended policy language and, according to staff, permits the district to continue paying outstanding supplemental claims at year end for athletes who cannot pay. Board members repeatedly described that outcome as temporary while staff evaluates a longer‑term solution.
No legal action or permanent funding source was adopted at the meeting.