Board awards insurance and nutrition procurement contracts, approves student accident coverage

The Burke County Public Schools Board approved several procurement actions during its meeting, including commercial insurance, student accident insurance, food and paper bids, and an operational change for school nutrition.

Mr. Haider presented commercial-property, liability, fleet and cyber insurance quotes and recommended Udica, the incumbent, at $621,351.87 over an alternative Liberty Mutual quote of $682,455.87. The board moved to accept Udica’s quote at the recommended amount; the motion was seconded and approved by voice/show of hands (vote recorded as four in favor).

For student accident insurance, staff reported four quotes and recommended the incumbent Old Republic at $23,500 as the low, comprehensive option. The board voted to accept Old Republic at $23,500.

The school nutrition office reported on procurement for food and supply bids: the single major food vendor proposal was from Williams (the incumbent) and the food bid was awarded to Williams as recommended. Paper bid awards were split among five vendors (transcript lists Southland, SNS, Southeastern and Williams among winners), and the board approved those awards. The board also authorized a purchasing card specifically for the school nutrition program to streamline small purchases at retail vendors; the motion to authorize the card passed.

Each procurement motion was made, seconded and approved during the meeting. Staff indicated no complaints about the incumbent vendors and said the selections reflected low quotes and operational suitability.