School boards ask Legislature to change arbitration rules, add factors as health premiums surge

Witnesses before the Senate Education Committee on April 11 urged changes to the statewide process for bargaining school employee health benefits and to the arbitration framework that resolves impasses.

"Health insurance is expensive," said Sue Seglowski, executive director of the Vermont School Boards Association, testifying that rising benefit costs are reducing funds available for instruction and student supports. Seglowski described the Commission on Public School Employee Health Benefits — created by 2018 legislation — as a 10‑member body (five appointees from the Vermont School Boards Association and five representing employees) that negotiates premium shares, out‑of‑pocket arrangements and whether districts provide health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs).

Seglowski told senators the commission collects data in the fall, and the next bargaining round is scheduled to begin in April 2026. If the commission cannot reach…