Nokomis School Board Slashes Insurance Costs
The Nokomis School Board found themselves at a crossroads on Tuesday evening as outgoing
interim superintendent Chuck Stortzum and incoming superintendent Scott Doerr were both in
attendance. This was Stortzum's last meeting while Doerr will assume duties effective July 1.
Travis Bushue, President of Bushue Human Resources of Effingham, presented board members
with the results of his company's analysis of the district's insurance needs.
Noting some instances of duplicate coverage and several other areas where savings could be
realized, he was able to show board members that they could save over 40 percent on their annual
insurance costs.
Following discussion, the board voted to accept the bid received from PSIC/Ohio Casualty
insurance company which provides the district with protection equal to their current coverage at a
total cost of $78,468.
This represents an annual savings of over $60,000 compared to current rates.
Bruce Cox, President of the Nokomis Girls Softball League, approached the board with an
alternative plan to form a junior high school girls softball team. Following the board's rejection of the
program at last month's meeting due to financial reasons, Cox suggested a revised plan that would
fund the program without district assistance.
George and Connie Marley and John Crowe expressed their support of the Cox initiative and
signatures were presented from others in the community who endorse the plan.
Following a lengthy discussion, the board decided to approve the plan provided that financial
backing is in place by July 21. While the program would be considered an official district activity,
they would bear no financial responsibility for its organization nor implementation.
During the course of the meeting, the board noted and/or approved the following:
Following a closed session, the board reconvened to announce that they would hire Chris
Calderini as a high school English teacher for the upcoming school year.
The Nokomis School Board found themselves at a crossroads on Tuesday evening as outgoing
interim superintendent Chuck Stortzum and incoming superintendent Scott Doerr were both in
attendance. This was Stortzum's last meeting while Doerr will assume duties effective July 1.
Travis Bushue, President of Bushue Human Resources of Effingham, presented board members
with the results of his company's analysis of the district's insurance needs.
Noting some instances of duplicate coverage and several other areas where savings could be
realized, he was able to show board members that they could save over 40 percent on their annual
insurance costs.
Following discussion, the board voted to accept the bid received from PSIC/Ohio Casualty
insurance company which provides the district with protection equal to their current coverage at a
total cost of $78,468.
This represents an annual savings of over $60,000 compared to current rates.
Bruce Cox, President of the Nokomis Girls Softball League, approached the board with an
alternative plan to form a junior high school girls softball team. Following the board's rejection of the
program at last month's meeting due to financial reasons, Cox suggested a revised plan that would
fund the program without district assistance.
George and Connie Marley and John Crowe expressed their support of the Cox initiative and
signatures were presented from others in the community who endorse the plan.
Following a lengthy discussion, the board decided to approve the plan provided that financial
backing is in place by July 21. While the program would be considered an official district activity,
they would bear no financial responsibility for its organization nor implementation.
During the course of the meeting, the board noted and/or approved the following:
- Monthly bills totaling $447,341 were approved leaving a fund balance of $1,402,971
- Approved $7,500 for maintenance of a back-up boiler at the junior high school
- Heard the Agriculture Department annual report as presented by Mr. Meyer
- Approved the formation of an extracurricular speech team as requested by Mr. Tomell
- Accepted bids for milk and bread for the upcoming school year
- Adopted the prevailing wage rate
- Employed Environmental Service Consultant, LTD for a three year period at a cost of $1,200
per year
- Voted to discontinue transportation for soccer participants to practice
Following a closed session, the board reconvened to announce that they would hire Chris
Calderini as a high school English teacher for the upcoming school year.