ACC considers insurance

Loren Korte, an agent with Personal Service Insurance, gave Allen Community College trustees his “two cents” on the future of the college’s insurance policy.
ACC President John Masterson said the college had been in contact with other southeast Kansas community college’s to discuss the possibility of group insurance policy with five schools. ACC’s current policy is with EMC Insurance, Wichita.
Korte said the new insurance could possibly show some savings in deductible, however, it is yet to be seen whether there would be savings in premiums over ACC’s current policy.
“Dropping your coverage with EMC may or may not be a good thing,” Korte said.
He said EMS currently offers a linebacker policy that covers decisions made by the board and any repercussions the decisions may cause in the future. He said any current policy would not include this coverage.
His suggestion is to wait a year or two and see where the new policy takes the other schools.
If there were to be substantial savings for ACC, he said he would be the first to suggest a policy change, referring to the decision as “just good business.”
However, the current policy the college is covered by also puts them in contact with local insurance agents, with whom they have personal relationships. He said this may not be the case when entering into a group policy with other colleges.
Korte said he will have more specific numbers on the college’s policy by June 1, and he suggests that the college take a hard look at their current policy to see whether any adjustments need to be made.

MASTERSON said he made a trip to Redlands Community College, El Reno, Okla., on March 26 to see technological updates created through Peak Uptime.
Peak Uptime is working with ACC to create a technology road map that the college will use to make updates to various systems. These plans are running concurrently with architects Bartlett & West’s master facilities plan for the college.
“They have come up with some innovative ideas,” Masterson said.
The architects have submitted a preliminary facilities plan to the board, marking some significant changes to its structure. While the proposal is not finalized, it does highlight some of the issues the college is facing.
“I’m hoping they’re almost ready to submit a proposal for us,” Masterson said.
The architects will meet with trustees on April 25 to highlight potential changes.

IN OTHER business:

New vehicles were purchased — a minivan, 15-passenger van and work truck. The minivan and truck will be purchased through Shields Motors, Chanute, for $15,350 and $22,806, respectively. The 15-passenger van will be purchased at Iola’s Twin Motors Ford for $18,650.
— A five-year contract was approved for food service with Chartwells, for $367,946.
— A contract with Ridge Consulting Group was approved for the months of May through September. Cost is $3,350. The group provides consultation pertaining to employees’ health and benefit packages.