Running debate: Gary schools insure only operable cars

Dec. 23--The cash-strapped Gary School Board saved $33,883 on its automobile liability insurance by removing 25 out-of-service vehicles from the policy.

The board approved the policy Tuesday with the National Indemnity Co., following a discussion of its fleet at a work session Dec. 17.

The policy runs through Dec. 20, 2017.

"They're for automobiles that are actually moving," Superintendent Cheryl Pruitt told the board Tuesday.

At last week's meeting, board members questioned why the district insured vehicles that aren't operable. It has a total of 71 vehicles and 46 are operable. The original liability insurance quote was $99,985. "That seems excessively high for vehicles that are 15, 20 years old," said board member Nellie Moore.

Leslie Skinner-Leslie, the district's insurance agent, said the state requires the district as a public entity to have a $1 million liability limit.

The vehicles are driven by the district's 24-member maintenance crew and by security personnel.

Last week, about five vehicles couldn't be located. Leslie-Skinner said Tuesday none of the fleet is missing and all were now located.

Board member Marion Williams asked why the vehicles weren't included in an inventory that's part of an annual report.

Pruitt said the inventory control staffer resigned and the district is under a hiring freeze so the position has remained vacant.

"Is the task assigned to someone else to make sure things don't float away?" asked Williams.

Pruitt prepared an updated vehicle audit for Tuesday's meeting.

Meanwhile, the board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Gary Teachers Union that raises health insurance premiums 11.25 percent.

The board also approved the renewal of the district's health insurance policy with Cigna.

Former Major League Baseball player and manager Lloyd McClendon and his wife donated a baby grand piano valued at $4,500 to $5,000 to the Wirt-Emerson Visual and Performing Arts Academy.

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