The insurance policy in question covers the school board for its buildings, general liability and other expenses, including legal judgments and fees. While 150 districts statewide have that kind of insurance through the Kentucky School Boards Association, Harlan County is one of 26 districts that does not. Last year, the association told its members it would not pay any legal costs regarding posting of the Ten Commandments. The district turned down a bid from Zurich to handle this year's policy, Hensley said. Any effects the payment to Turner would have on the board's insurance premiums for the next fiscal year have not been determined.
Companies submit bids to the district each year for insurance coverage.
Brad Hughes, director of the Kentucky School Boards Association, said the payment to Turner could be viewed as a claim and thus could affect its premiums. But he said the impact on the 4,900-student district would be minimal. E-mail this story to a friend. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution, or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the expressed written consent of the Lexington Herald-Leader is prohibited.