Rowan County board approves insurance renewals, higher workers' comp and tentative 2026–27 budget

The Rowan County Board of Education approved several finance items including multi-line insurance renewals, an increased workers' compensation premium and the district's tentative budget for fiscal year 2026–27.

Staff explained that the district experienced premium increases: roughly 10% on some lines with reduced deductibles, and a workers' compensation premium driven higher by several large claims. The transcript records a workers' compensation quote of $147,692.40 for policy year 2627. The board approved the insurance coverage—property, fleet, educators' legal liability, general liability, umbrella and cyber—brokered through Hotkins Insurance Group and underwritten by Obsidian after Liberty Mutual dropped coverage, and approved the workers' compensation quote, both by voice vote.

Board and staff also discussed the tentative budget, noting that recently approved salary tables were incorporated into the budget and that the workman's comp adjustment had been added to reflect current numbers. Staff said the tentative budget was previously reviewed at a special-call meeting and has been available for review; the board approved the tentative 2026–27 budget by voice vote. A board member asked about staffing allocation policy and received an explanation that allocations are determined by enrollment and attendance through a needs assessment process, with commonly used class-size caps referenced as targets rather than absolute limits.

All budget and insurance motions passed by voice votes; the public transcript does not include roll-call tallies. Staff indicated follow-up reporting and continued review will occur as the district finalizes budget documents and insurance confirmations.