Our Story

Business planning notes jotted on tissue for quick reference

"Every good idea starts on the back of a napkin."

In 2015, Rod Spangler drew out a vision for what public entity insurance could look like when it's done right — built specifically for schools, local governments, and community hospitals, by people who genuinely know and love this space.

That napkin became KBS.

KBS was launched in 2021 as a wholly owned subsidiary after a 34-year existence within the Kansas Association of School Boards. At KBS, we believe in doing things differently. We are focused on serving public entities as they work to provide the best possible insurance and benefit programs to the employees who transform their communities daily.

Today, KBS serves public entities across Kansas with property & casualty insurance, workers' compensation, student accident coverage, employee benefits, and strategic consulting. We are proud over 85% of K–12 institutions across Kansas partner with KBS. Much of our success can be attributed to how we seek to serve and guide others.

MISSION

We exist to positively disrupt the confusing insurance industry and leave it better than we found it.

VISION

We see an insurance journey with clarity, fresh solutions, and a commitment to safeguarding the future with integrity and expertise.

How We Got Here

The journey to what is now KBS, began in 1987 when KASB launched a workers comp pool to provide public schools across Kansas with affordable insurance services. As the insurance market began to change over the years, KASB continued to explore solutions for public education. To meet the needs of educators and institutions across the state KASB Risk Management Group As the insurance world has evolved over the years, so has KBS.

KBS A KASB Company timeline showing company growth milestones from 1987 to 2025

Education | Community Hospitals | Local Government

How We Put The KBS Way Into Practice

A successful insurance journey requires more than selecting the right policies. It requires a guide who understands your organization, simplifies your options, and stays with you every step of the way.

DISCOVER

CLARIFY

GUIDE

Discover

Every engagement starts with exploration. Before recommending anything, we take time to understand your organization, your current programs, your risks, your priorities, and your goals. No assumptions. No cookie-cutter solutions.

Clarify

Once we understand your environment, we evaluate your options and translate complex insurance and benefits information into clear, actionable recommendations. You'll always know what you're choosing and why.

Guide

Our work doesn't end at implementation. KBS remains a consistent, proactive partner — monitoring legislative developments, tracking industry changes, and providing ongoing strategic support as your organization grows and evolves.

At KBS, our role is simple: discover what matters most to your organization, bring clarity to complex decisions, and guide you confidently through your insurance journey.

The KBS Way

In today's landscape, the path you choose for your insurance journey can easily become a commoditized decision. While cost savings matter, we believe the how and why behind your choices are what truly shape outcomes.

At KBS, every relationship is built on a shared philosophy we call The KBS Way - a commitment to putting people first, bringing clarity to a complex industry, and building partnerships that stand the test of time.

People First

We serve public entities and the people behind them. Every decision reflects our responsibility to protect employees, communities, and the resources entrusted to our clients.

Bring Clarity

Insurance and benefits are often confusing. The KBS Way means simplifying complexity, offering fresh solutions, and guiding clients through important decisions with confidence.

Build Lasting Partnerships

KBS focuses on long-term relationships, not transactions. Our clients rely on consistent support, accountability, and a partner committed to safeguarding their future.

Explore KBS Solutions