The Shawano School Board received an update on the benefits package the school district offers employees March 23, which is expected to cost more in some places and provide savings elsewhere.
Medical plans are expected to increase 6% next year, about $186,000 more for the district. Currently, employees pay 10% while the district covers the rest.
However, the district is looking at two vendors to reduce fees for family savings plans in the hopes of saving $100,000, according to human resources director Janelle Schraufnagel.
Dental plans will increase 5% in the coming year, resulting in $15,000 more the district has to pay out. However, this comes after years of rates frozen in place, Schraufnagel said.
In vision plans, the district is switching from MetLife to Delta Vision. Vision plans are fully paid by employees, but the switch is expected to save employees $3 per month.
As announced previously, the district is planning to make short-term disability optional for employees while still offering long-term disability benefits. The change is expected to save the district $60,000, and the current long-term disability rates are expected to remain in place until July 1, 2027.
The school district will also switch its employee assistance program, which provides counselors and other support programs, from ThedaCare to The Standard.
“We’re getting the same level of service and the same local providers,” Schraufnagel said. “That looks at about an $8,200 savings to the district. Overall, we’re incurring a few increases but overall savings to the district through many of the plans.”
Board member Karen Houston praised the work district staff did to keep costs down, noting it’s unique when compared with other districts.
“Districts around us are having significant increases — businesses and districts,” Houston said. “We’re lucky that it’s at 6% (for medical plans).”
