Richfield board approves insurance renewals and staffing cuts; roll-call votes on agenda, consent and policies

The Richfield Public Schools Board conducted several formal votes on March 17, approving the meeting agenda, the consent agenda, renewal of self-funded medical and dental insurance programs, and a resolution discontinuing certain certified positions for the 2025-26 school year.

Agenda and consent: The board voted by roll call to approve the meeting agenda and then the consent agenda without discussion. Both motions passed unanimously (see detailed vote list).

Medical and dental insurance: District staff presented analysis of the self-funded medical plan and several proposals from third-party administrators. The Insurance Advisory Committee recommended continued administration by HealthPartners with the district's current pharmacy benefit manager (Maxor) retained, and an increase of the specific stop-loss deductible from $150,000 to $175,000 per individual. Staff recommended a rate increase for the medical plans of approximately 9.5 percent (a funding approach that drew on reserves to limit the immediate premium increase relative to projected need). The board approved the medical renewal by roll-call vote.

The board also approved a recommended dental renewal with Delta Dental and an increase to the family premium contribution (single plan funding levels were maintained at current district contribution amounts). The dental reserve was described as smaller than the medical reserve and staff recommended a modest premium increase.

Staffing and contracts: The board approved a resolution discontinuing 14.37 FTE certified positions projected for 2025-26 to align staffing with projected enrollment and revenue. Staff said some of the reductions may be addressed later in the spring as enrollments and revenues are finalized, and that employees displaced by reductions are eligible to apply for open positions. The board also approved a separate resolution proposing to discontinue the continuing-contract teaching contract for one teacher and to place that teacher on unrequested leave of absence; the board will take final action on unrequested leaves at a later meeting if reductions remain necessary.

Policy readings: The board passed Policy 4.12 (public and private personnel data) after the third read and approved accompanying forms; Policy 5.82 (staff notification of violent behavior by students) was discussed as a second read and aligned to state statute with no action taken at this meeting. First reads were held for Policy 6.10 (selection and reevaluation of instructional resources) and Policy 6.12 (curriculum development).

Procedural notes: Multiple motions were made and decided by roll-call votes; Director Cole and Director Liss moved and seconded several motions in the meeting record. Chair Eric Carter and members voted by name on roll calls.

Ending: The board recessed into a closed session under Minnesota Statute 13D.03 to discuss labor negotiation strategy and then adjourned the public meeting.

Votes at a glance: - Approve meeting agenda: Motion by Director Cole; second by Director Liss. Vote: Cole Aye; Liss Aye; Spencer Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved. - Approve consent agenda: Motion by Director Cole; second by Director Liss. Vote: Cole Aye; Liss Aye; Spencer Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved. - Policy 4.12 (public and private personnel data) and Form 412.1: Motion by Director Liss; second by Director Spencer. Vote: Spencer Aye; Cole Aye; Liss Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved. - Medical insurance renewal (self-funded) and PBM continuation with Maxor; increase specific stop-loss to $175,000; rate increases funded to ~9.5%: Motion by Director Liss; second by Director Cole. Vote: Cole Aye; Spencer Aye; Liss Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved. - Dental insurance renewal (Delta Dental) and family-rate increase: Motion by Director Cole; second by Director Liss. Vote: Liss Aye; Cole Aye; Spencer Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved. - Resolution discontinuing certified positions for 2025-26 (14.37 FTE): Motion by Director Collin; second by Director Liss. Vote: Spencer Aye; Cole Aye; Liss Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved. - Resolution proposing discontinuation of one continuing-contract teaching contract and placing that teacher on unrequested leave of absence (procedural step): Motion by Director Liss; second by Director Cole. Vote: Cole Aye; Liss Aye; Spencer Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved (proposal to place on unrequested leave; final action may follow).

The board then moved into closed session under Minnesota Statute 13D.03 for labor negotiation strategy and adjourned the public portion of the meeting.