Hinckley-Finlayson board approves insurance renewals, vendor contracts and levy resolutions

The Hinckley-Finlayson School District board approved a package of operational items in a single meeting, including insurance renewals, vendor contracts, policy updates and resolutions to support facilities maintenance.

Gabe Cessna of Town and Country Insurance briefed the board on the district's renewal. Cessna said the district's experience modification produced a credit (he cited a work-comp credit figure of roughly $9,000) and that overall the market has stabilized. He estimated a roughly $50,000 reduction in premium dollars tied to contract changes and recommended lowering vehicle deductibles from $3,000 to $1,000 on three units effective July 15.

"What a credit means is we're better than average when it comes to the safety of the faculty itself within the state of Minnesota...so that's why we get a nice little credit," Cessna said, and later noted the deductible change he had requested.

The board moved and approved the insurance recommendations as presented (vote recorded 7–0).

Separately, the bid committee recommended contract renewals or awards for district vendors: Panagold (bakery), Matt Sanitation (garbage), Kurts (diesel, with Slims as an alternate when Kurts is closed), and Prairie Farm (dairy). The board approved acceptance of the recommended bids by motion (7–0).

The board also approved two policies—Policy 711 (videotaping on school buses) and Policy 712 (bus stop policy, updated to clarify 7th'12th graders may use designated City of Hinckley stops)—and moved to continue membership in the Minnesota State High School League by resolution. Life insurance and Delta Dental rates were renewed at existing rates after administration reported no required changes.

On facilities funding, the board accepted an SCR long-term facilities maintenance (LTFM) resolution to allow levy aid planning for shared SCR facilities and separately approved the district's 10-year LTFM plan for Hinckley-Finlayson school facilities. Board members noted the LTFM plans do not themselves set tax-dollar amounts; levy amounts are set in the fall.

Capital additions approved included a contingency for tires for three remaining vehicles (budgeted figure discussed), one more year of bus-route software, and a garage-door replacement at the bus garage; the board passed those items (7–0).

All motions in this package passed by unanimous vote. Several board members offered thanks to staff and community donors during communications and recognitions.