Gasconade R-2 considers student insurance options for 2021-22 term

By Roxie Murphy, Staff Writer
Posted 5/26/21

Gasconade County R-2 Board members on May 17 decided to delay a decision on whether the district should pay for all 1,800 students to have KidGuard insurance — which would provide basic …

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Gasconade R-2 considers student insurance options for 2021-22 term

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Gasconade County R-2 Board members on May 17 decided to delay a decision on whether the district should pay for all 1,800 students to have KidGuard insurance — which would provide basic protection to all students during school scheduled practices, games and events — until the June board meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Chuck Garner said the district previously offered Markel, a supplemental insurance for student athletes, to parents. However Markel is no longer offering to provide the insurance in the state of Missouri.

“The question up for discussion for you is do you want to look at going with KidGuard student insurance?” Garner asked board members. “It’s a different approach and a lot of schools have utilized it for decades. It is something the district would pay. We have the option to cover all students, or just those students who play MSHSAA sports.”

The cost of the insurance is $6 per student. The district has around 1,800 students enrolled. “You are looking at about $10,000 to offer that coverage,” Garner said.

He said there is one other company that he is attempting to research, but the rates are $16-$18 for similar coverage.

A contract is not needed to be signed until July 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year.

Director Jason Crowe asked if this was something that the district has always had before.

“Before we offered it and the parents had to pay for it,” Garner began. “They could sign their child up if they so chose. This one, the district pays for it and every kid gets it. We just provide them with a list of our kids.”

Students are covered while in school, during school-related activities, concerts, field trips — if it is school sponsored and school supervised. Physical education classes and playground play are also included.

“Topically I like the idea of providing that coverage,” Crowe said.

No action was taken as the board consensus was to revisit the option in June.

In other board business, the district is required to increase breakfast and lunch prices by a minimum of 10 cents each year for the difference to be reimbursable until they reach the national average of $3.07.

“We are well below that,” Garner said.

High school breakfast is $1.95, and lunch is $2.40 currently and will each increase by 10 cents.

Middle school breakfast is $1.85 and lunch is $2.40 currently and will each increase by 10 cents.

Both elementary schools include breakfast at $1.85 per meal and $2.30 for lunch. Both will increase by 10 cents each.