Board’s insurance premiums up 21%

The St. Martin School Board approved the renewal of its overall insurance policies during a special “virtual” meeting conducted last Wednesday, April 15.
Attending in person were Superintendent Allen Blanchard Jr., board president Russell Foti and members Richard Potier and Frederic Stelly.
Other board members and staff participated via internet connections.
The board reviewed its insurance coverage for property, liability, and electronic/computer/data equipment and learned that its overall annual premium will be increasing from $765,063 to $930,246 for the 2020-21 fiscal year.
That’s a hike of $265,183, or 21.6 percent.
Among the reasons cited for the increase were a significant number of liability claims handled during the past year and the number of new facilities added to the list of property covered.
In the only other business considered during the brief session, the board approved the extension of its Bond Management Services contract with Poche Prouet Associates LLC of Lafayette from April 10 through June 30 although the action was opposed by board members Mark Hebert, Floyd Knott and Stelly.