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Board hears $43,200 liability insurance increase; district discloses local broker relationship
Summary
Staff told the board a liability insurance bill of $43,200 reflects a roughly 55% rise in premiums over three years; the district uses Central Washington Insurance as its broker, a firm owned by Jamie, and board policy caps payments to board-member-owned businesses at $3,000 per month.
During the consent-agenda discussion, district staff highlighted a liability insurance invoice of $43,200 and told the board that liability premiums have risen about 55% over the last three years, with roughly a 20% increase from the prior year.
"As you can imagine ... our insurance costs have gone up ... this bill is $43,200," staff member Chris said while explaining district participation in the Schools Insurance Association of Washington and the association's broker requirement. Chris noted the district hired Central Washington Insurance to serve as the broker several years ago and that Central Washington Insurance is locally available to support claim response on incidents such as floods or fires.
Chris disclosed that Central Washington Insurance is owned by Jamie and noted board policy 1610 governs direct or indirect financial interests by board directors: the policy restricts payments to board-director-owned businesses to no more than $3,000 per calendar month. Chris said the district currently pays about $1,100 per month for broker services and that the district's premium increases reflect many factors such as new buildings, vehicles and loss ratios.
The consent agenda, which included the insurance invoice and other payroll, goods and services items, was moved and seconded and then approved by the board; during the voice vote one board member (Dan Peters) registered opposition. The board did not take separate action on the broker contract at this meeting.
Staff also pointed the board to accompanying consent-agenda items including policy reviews required by federal and state law (including Title IX-related updates) and a resolution to cancel outstanding warrants and uncashed payroll checks, which staff said had been reported to the state as unclaimed property and required board approval to cancel.
The discussion drew no immediate motion to change the broker relationship; board members asked clarifying questions about premium drivers and policy requirements. No formal procurement irregularity was alleged at the meeting.
