School board approves costlier insurance renewal as umbrella coverage drops

The Jenkins Independent School board approved renewal of its school insurance package following a presentation that described significant premium increases and reduced umbrella limits.

Superintendent said the district’s incumbent carrier did not renew workers’ compensation, leaving staff to seek replacement quotes. An insurance presenter told the board the carrier offering the lowest premium was still “probably double what you were paying” last year and that the district’s umbrella limit would fall “from $4,000,000 last year” to “1” under the new package.

Board members pressed for clarity about how recent claim activity and the insurer’s experience‑rating would affect future premiums. The presenter explained the experience modifier is based on the past three years of claims and that recent losses would show up in next year’s calculations; he added that the underwriter indicated credits could be applied later to offset some of next year’s increases.

A board member moved to approve the insurance proposals as presented; another board member seconded, no opposing votes were recorded and the chair announced the motion passed.

The board also discussed practical options for payment and noted the vendor offered installment plans. The presenter recommended that payroll figures be double‑checked to ensure correct premium allocations. No formal amendment to the coverage levels or limits was made at the meeting.

What happens next: The approval allows district staff to bind coverage with the recommended carrier and to follow up on installment options and any rate credits the underwriter may apply when experience modifiers are updated.