Hanover Area School District appoints grant-funded wellness coordinator to curb rising employee health costs

The Hanover Area School District Board of Education on Feb. 11 appointed Michelle Mazur as a grant-funded wellness coordinator, effective immediately, at a salary of $58,000, the board approved in a roll-call vote.

Superintendent Barrett told the board and members of the public the position is part of a three-year study to reduce employee health-care claims after the district’s health-care costs rose 7% this year. "Our health care increase is up by 7% this year, which is a cost increase by 6 figures for this district to absorb into our general fund," Barrett said, describing the fiscal pressure that led to creating the position.

The superintendent said the coordinator will help employees enroll in tailored programs to improve health and lower utilization. The program will target all employee categories across the district — administrators, teachers, support staff and custodial employees — and will include stress-reduction strategies for professional staff and possible incentives such as gym memberships. Barrett said financial returns are expected over time, not immediately: the district expects to "start to see a healthier school community" during the study and later receive funds from the health-care provider if claims fall.

A member of the public, resident Mike Pottsko of Henford Township, asked for an explanation of the coordinator role before the superintendent presented details. Barrett said the position is grant funded and therefore will not come directly from the district’s general fund.

Votes at a glance - Approval: Appointment of Michelle Mazur as wellness coordinator, salary $58,000, effective immediately. Motion carried by roll call; one abstention recorded on the item. (See actions array for full roll-call details.) - Other business: The board approved minutes, superintendent and general recommendations, financial recommendations (items 1–7), and several personnel appointments including Angela Stout (paraprofessional) and Joseph Paladino (crossing guard). Those routine motions passed by voice or roll-call as recorded in the meeting minutes.

Why it matters: The district framed the hire as an investment to curb rising employee health-care expenses and to support employee well-being amid statewide and national teacher shortages linked to burnout. The position is explicitly grant funded, limiting immediate budget impact but tying program continuation and measured savings to future outcomes.

The board scheduled its March work session and regular meeting for March 11, 2025. No additional action on the wellness program timeline, metrics or grant source was specified during the meeting.