Oshkosh schools report jump in workers'comp claims; mod rate now 1.27, district hires West Bend for claims management

District staff reported an increase in workers' compensation claims and in the district's three-year experience modification rate at the board meeting.

Mr. Yerke, presenting the report, said the district's experience modification rate ("mod rate") for the 2024'25 school year is 1.27; the industry average is 1.0. He said the district recorded 68 workers' comp claims from July 1 to Oct. 14, up from 39 in the same period the prior year. Of the 68, 55 were zero-dollar claims that do not affect the mod, while 13 had direct or allocated losses totaling about $40,005.73 in incurred costs so far.

Mr. Yerke told the board the district changed carriers to West Bend Insurance because the company provides in-building claims assessment and more specialized workers' compensation services. He said the direct-loss outstanding figure covers expected future costs for active claims and that six of the 13 direct-loss incidents involved staff injured by a student.

Trustees pressed on prevention and training. Doctor Herzak said the number of staff injuries involving students must be driven down so staff feel safe. Mr. Yerke described ongoing district efforts including continued nonviolent crisis intervention training, strengthened reporting and follow-up processes, and coordination with special education and pupil services staff to review incidents and develop corrective action.

Board members asked what on-site services from West Bend would look like; Yerke said West Bend representatives will visit buildings, assess incidents and advise on after-action steps, but the district had not yet completed a full on-site assessment at the time of the presentation.

The report was informational; trustees asked for continued monitoring and for the Facilities and Finance and relevant committees to track improvements.