Board considers adding insurance requirement for facility rentals; plans 30‑day public comment

Board members discussed proposed changes to Policy 7510 (use of facilities) that would require outside users to provide proof of insurance to use district buildings.

Speaker 4 (superintendent) told the board that Greenbrier County's policy includes a requirement that users present proof of insurance with limits (the example cited included $1,000,000 per occurrence and higher aggregate coverage) and that Webster County's current policy does not require insurance. "If you look at Webster Counties, we do not require insurance to use our facilities. That is an issue," the superintendent said, and recommended placing an amendment on a 30‑day public comment period that would mirror Greenbrier's language.

Board members expressed concern about imposing costs on community groups that rely on school facilities. One member suggested a nominal daily fee ("a $100 a day") or providing local insurance options to make compliance easier for community users. The superintendent proposed options including a waiver of liability for incidents not caused by the district but acknowledged a waiver would not cover district negligence.

The board agreed to proceed with a 30‑day public comment period and asked staff to gather pricing from local insurance agents and to draft language (including an optional waiver and an attachment listing local insurance contacts) to reduce barriers for community users. The superintendent said an MOU and administrative form language could accompany the policy amendment when returned to the board.

No final policy vote was taken at the meeting; the board directed staff to develop the proposal and return after public comment.