Barton Community College’s Board of Trustees reviewed the list of contracts for head coaches, management staff and administrators during a study session this week. Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said not much has changed and no new contracts have been offered.
There is an open position for a head softball coach, assistant dean of information services, and vice president of instruction and student services. All three positions will remain open until filled.
William Nash, Dean of Fort Riley Technical Education and Military Outreach Training, will be offered a one-month administrative contract due to his upcoming retirement, Heilman said. A candidate for Nash’s replacement has been identified and will be recommended for hire at the next board meeting.
Trustee Don Learned asked if the college is still looking for an assistant softball coach. Heilman said that is so, but assistant coaches are not offered contracts.
“Subsequent to a search process we hope to name a candidate (for the coaching position) in the near future,” Heilman said.

Insurance savings
The board also reviewed the insurance proposals. Renewal of coverage for property, casualty, workers compensation and other insurance will take effect July 1. The only thing not included was athletic insurance, which is handled separately.
This year’s premiums total $266,036, the lowest they have been in this decade. They have ranged from $267,862 in 2011 to $374,392 in 2013.
Dean of Administration Mark Dean noted that the college is insured by Midwest Higher Education Compact. A number of other Kansas community colleges have joined this program which enables them to share in the benefit of being in a large pool. Conrade Insurance Group is the college’s insurance broker. The college’s deductible remains at $25,000 for property.
The numbers reviewed this week are subject to change because rates won’t be locked in until mid-June. However, Dean said the renewals can not be exceeded and he anticipates they may be up to $2,000 lower.
While some of the policy premiums increased this year, Dean said that was offset by a decrease in workers compensation insurance. That premium has been going down due to a decrease in employee injuries.
Trustee Leonard Bunselmeyer asked if the safety awareness program on campus might be responsible for fewer injuries. Dean said there is no way of knowing, but the Safety Department does share tips with all employees.