Amador County Teachers Voice Concerns Over Rising Health Insurance Costs

The Amador County Unified School District (ACUSD) Board Meeting on August 27, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding rising health insurance costs and their impact on staff retention and student education. Employees voiced their frustrations over the proposed changes to medical benefits, which many fear could lead to a mass exodus of teachers and support staff.

During the meeting, Eric, a district employee, emphasized the critical role of staff in maintaining a functional school environment. He warned that if many workers leave due to inadequate compensation and benefits, students would suffer from poor conditions, such as unclean classrooms and insufficient transportation. He urged board members to prioritize the well-being of both employees and students.

Deanna Bell, vice president of the California School Employees Association, shared her personal struggles with the rising costs of health care, stating that a significant portion of her income goes towards housing, leaving little for other necessities. She criticized the board for not exploring budget cuts to alleviate the financial burden on employees, highlighting a disconnect between administrative pay increases and the stagnant wages of classified staff.

Public comments included heartfelt testimonies from teachers and parents. Kenjetta Davy, a kindergarten teacher, expressed concern that rising insurance costs could force educators to leave the community, negatively affecting students' stability and mentorship. Jennifer Anacito, an office clerk, pointed out that classified employees, who perform essential roles in schools, are struggling to make ends meet due to low wages and increasing costs.

Several speakers, including Jack Cowgill, a fourth grader, and Todd Sweet, a second-year teacher, shared personal stories about the potential consequences of the insurance hikes. Cowgill articulated the fear of losing his mother’s job as a school counselor, while Sweet described the financial strain he faces as a new teacher, contemplating leaving for better opportunities elsewhere.

The meeting concluded with a call for the board to reconsider its approach to health care benefits, emphasizing the need for a solution that supports all employees and maintains the quality of education in the district. The discussions underscored the urgent need for the board to address financial mismanagement and prioritize the welfare of both staff and students to ensure a stable educational environment in Amador County.