Lawrence School District seeks ways to save money

With every dollar at a premium, the Lawrence School District officials said they are seeking fresh approaches to save money and sustain its academic and extracurricular programs.

One way has been to work with Troy-based Triad Group, the company that handles the district’s workman compensation claims. Board of Education President David Sussman said Lawrence has reviewed their Triad bills for the past two school years and with the company has looked for ways that the district could be paying less.

“They were forthcoming about taking less money against the money they save us every month,” said Sussman, adding that Triad provided advice about how money could be saved.

Triad serves more than 30 school districts, and according to company President Victoria Manes, has more than 65 clients statewide, including Nassau and Westchester counties.

According to Manes, Lawrence has had 29 reported injuries in 2013. Manes said that her company has saved Lawrence more than $150,000 “by scrutinizing medical reports and bills for appropriateness and fee schedule compliance.” “Our staff reviews hundreds of medical bills,” she said.

The school district did not confirm that figure. Superintendent Gary Schall said, “the savings will be significant,” but added that “it is too early in this renegotiated arrangement to provide accurate savings as workers comp is one of the most complex components of the [school] budget.” He said a total savings will be announced after it is verified.

Besides working with Triad, Sussman said the district is looking at several different ways of saving money, including using LED bulbs and reviewing transportation costs with Inwood-based Independent Coach Corp. that could realize thousands in savings.

“The whole board realized that every dollar we can save the better,” said Sussman, noting that the state mandated tax cap and contracted costs makes it difficult for a school district to maintain fiscal stability. “We are looking to do better for our students and it’s good for taxpayers.”