School districts turn down terrorism insurance

Protection from terrorism is on the minds of many Americans, especially as the thought of war becomes a very real possibility. <br><br>Some Green Country schools are considering a move most of us probably

Tuesday, March 11th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Protection from terrorism is on the minds of many Americans, especially as the thought of war becomes a very real possibility.

Some Green Country schools are considering a move most of us probably haven't heard of, buying terrorism insurance. A number of companies were hit hard after the 9-11 attacks. So the federal government ordered agencies to begin offering coverage on acts committed by foreign terrorists.

Jenks is one of several school districts to put the idea on their agenda. Board members decided the unlikely risk of an attack on Jenks did not outweigh the extra cost and voted 3-2 against it. Gary Stanislawski, Jenks Board of Education, "I don't see a need for us to pay the money for this, the probability is so remote I don't think we need to spend $18 or $19,000 a year on it."

The insurance would not cover acts of terrorism committed by US citizens, such as the Oklahoma City bombing.

McAlester school officials also voted Monday night against buying the coverage.