The Clay County School Board voted 5‑0 on April 3 to direct staff to engage a contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield to administer the district's self‑insurance program.

Board members said the decision was driven by a projected annual administrative savings of about $3,000,000. "I move that we direct staff to engage in a contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield," said board member Miss Gilhausen when making the motion; Miss Clark seconded the motion. During the discussion a board member described the proposal as a "slam dunk," noting that the administrative vendor change is distinct from plan design and benefits.

The board asked the superintendent to return with recommendations on how to use the projected savings. "If we move forward... I would like to ask the board to work with the superintendent to bring back some recommendations on how to best use those saved funds to help teachers and staff," a board member said during debate.

The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

The vote directs staff to begin contracting and negotiation with Blue Cross Blue Shield as the third‑party administrator; the district will still set premium levels and plan benefits. The board did not adopt a specific plan redesign or a final premium schedule at the meeting.

Board action summary: the RFP award (RFP number 25BA131) was advanced to contract negotiation with Blue Cross Blue Shield; the board directed follow‑up reporting on recommended uses of any savings for staff and program support. No implementation timetable or effective dates for benefit changes were adopted at the meeting.

The superintendent and district staff will return to the board with implementation details and recommended allocations for the projected savings.