Teachers, staff and students warn of departures as district shifts health plans

Dozens of teachers, classified employees and students told the Amador County Unified School District board that a planned move to CalPERS medical plans will sharply increase premiums and force staff to leave, harming classrooms and extracurricular programs.

Union leaders and employees said the district’s insurance changes—presented as the only available option—threaten retention and the quality of instruction. “We are facing an unprecedented insurance crisis,” Jeannie Jensen, president of the Amador County Teachers Association, told the board during the public-comment period. Speakers asked the board to identify district savings or other sources to cover added costs for families and staff.

Teachers and classified staff described large premium increases and lost access to local providers. “This does not work financially for our family. We need other options,” said Eric Lucas, a chemistry and environmental science teacher at Argonaut High School, who gave dollar examples of how family premiums would rise under CalPERS. CSEA Vice President Deanna Bell told trustees the district has an obligation to provide affordable health care for employees and urged the board to find ways to protect staff pay and benefits.

Public commenters included classroom aides, food-service workers, bus mechanics and substitute teachers who said small pay and irregular hours already stretch household budgets. Several speakers said cash-in-lieu payments for employees who opt out of district insurance are essential to making off‑district coverage affordable and that removing or reducing that benefit would push many out of the workforce.

Students and parents said the fallout would harm course offerings, clubs and teams: multiple students said they rely on after-school programs run by staff who could leave. “You can’t put students first when you put teachers last,” said the student board representative, Peyton (student board member).

Board members and staff responded that negotiations are ongoing and urged unions and district leaders to continue bargaining. Several trustees said they want creative, short- and long-term solutions and encouraged continued public input. The board was told a final change will affect October paychecks and that bargaining is working toward options before that effective date.

Speakers repeatedly asked the board to consider reallocating district funds, contest administrative spending and to provide clearer, earlier communication about options and timelines. Multiple commenters warned that staff departures could mean increased use of long‑term substitutes, fewer extracurriculars and greater pressure on remaining employees.

The board did not take an immediate vote on benefits changes at the meeting. Negotiators representing the district and bargaining units continue to meet, and union leaders said they will pursue terms to reduce the financial burden on families and staff.