Louisiana School Board Will No Longer Cover Extracurricular Insurance

The Calcasieu Parish School Board has voted to eliminate the district’s student athletic insurance policy because of rising premium costs and budget constraints.

The American Press reports parents must now provide proof of insurance or Medicaid or buy a voluntary policy through the school in order for their child to participate in athletics.

Skylar Giardina, district risk manager, said the district’s definition of school athletes includes all middle and high school athletes, student managers and trainers, cheerleaders, dance line, pep squad, band, flag team, and other students participating or supporting interscholastic competition.

Giardina said the district’s premium cost rose to $697,710 for the 2014-15 school year from $585,500 last year.