Punxsutawney Area SD board names EHD insurance-broker after 5-4 roll call; board cited savings and service

The Punxsutawney Area School District board voted to name EHD as the districtinsurance broker following a review of four proposals, a district staff member said during discussion.

Board members discussed the request for proposals and asked whether the district would receive the same or better service for lower cost. Susan, a district staff member, summarized the recommendation, saying the districtconsidered both savings and service in making its recommendation.

The motion to name EHD passed on a roll-call vote that recorded five yes votes and four no votes. The roll-call record in the meeting transcript shows Yes votes from Mr. Blow, Mrs. Evans, Mr. Horner, the board member listed as "Mrs. Syrian Councilman" and "Mrs. Alaska," and No votes from Mrs. De Hudchinson, Mr. Nickel, Mrs. Smith and Mr. Yan; the chair announced the motion passed.

Board members asked procedural questions about the RFP process and whether the district would be locked in. Staff said the district solicited four proposals, followed up with shortlisted firms and that selecting a broker does not lock the district into a four-year contract; the board could issue another RFP in the future if needed.

The board did not take additional fiscal actions tied to the broker selection at the meeting; staff said they would move forward with final steps following the vote.

The boardnamed EHD after the roll-call vote; the district anticipates next steps will include final contracting and implementation planning.