Friday's Internet Edition, November 21, 2008.
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Progress News Writer -
RUSK - A new student insurance policy for Rusk Independent School District was approved Monday evening at the Board of Trustees meeting. The coverage was also expanded to include U.I.L. participants, as well as athletic team members.
"We have not had a good experience with our carrier this year," Superintendent Tony Murray said. "We feel like changes need to be made."
Proposal requests for a new usual and customary insurance plan were sent by the district and several proposals were received, said RISD Business Manager Lesa Jones. After reviewing these proposals, the board approved a policy from Penniman Insurance company for $14,515, an increase over last year's premium.
"As long as students use one of the doctors or facilities provided, they are covered," Jones said.
The policy also covers uninsured students who are representing the school as athletes or in U.I.L. programs and competitions.
"This does not remove any responsibility from parents," Murray said. "But if a child is uninsured, he has this."
The board also approved a new self-insured worker's compensation plan at a fixed rate value of $37,582 with an $86,521 lost fund maximum.
The previous policy had reached its three year termination point this year.
"We are very pleased with our new representative, Cindy Goff," Jones said.
In other business, the board brought two school policies up to date with state and U.I.L. requirements, Monday evening.
According to U.I.L. rules,a student in athletics must be given a physical exam, once in junior high and once in high school.
School policy was to give students the exam every year they participated in athletics.
Board members changed the local policy to better parallel the U.I.L. policies with wording that would also reflect any other changes that may occur in the future.
In addition, the board approved changes to response times regarding public complaints, as per the state requirements.