Board approves SCSBIT insurance extension after members question numeric discrepancy

The Richland One Board approved an extension of the district’s workers’ compensation and property casualty insurance coverage through the South Carolina School Boards Insurance Trust (SCSBIT) for the July 1, 2026–July 30, 2027 period, voting to accept the administration’s recommendation after questioning an apparent discrepancy in the documents.

Miss Hodgeges presented the contract extension and the recommended budgetary amount. During the presentation commissioners pointed out two different numbers appearing in the packet and the slides and asked for an explanation of the variance. "I see four-zero-five-eight and then I see three-six-one-nine — why are the two numbers different?" Commissioner Bishop asked, prompting the presenter to acknowledge the discrepancy and promise to obtain clarification.

Board discussion touched on historical usage (commissioners said actual claims have often been lower than budgeted figures) and the potential reasons for differences between the current premium year cost and the requested budgetary amount. The administration recommended voting on the higher requested amount to ensure adequate coverage and reserve. Commissioner Divine requested a follow-up memo explaining reasons for the variance and recent drivers of claims costs.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the extension; Commissioner Divine seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The board asked administration to report back with reconciled figures and an explanation for the discrepancy between the two numbers shown in the materials.