Hernando school board approves Blue Cross renewal, asks staff for more bid transparency

The Hernando County School Board voted 5-0 on Sept. 23 to renew the district's 2026 employee health benefits agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, a decision board members said was intended to prevent a lapse in coverage while the district pursues more detailed review of alternatives.

Board member Mrs. Hawkins, who spoke in favor of the renewal, said the decision was made to avoid interrupting coverage: "I support moving forward with this renewal to ensure our employees and their families do not experience a lapse in their coverage." She also urged more transparency going forward: "I strongly encourage that the committee that is currently working on this to bring forward the different options for consideration to us or at least provide the board with a clear explanation of how they selected the carrier."

The vote capped a wide-ranging discussion about premium costs, network access and the board's oversight role. Board members and staff described pressure on family premiums, the limited time frame to finalize the 2026 plan and steps the district will take to present alternatives. Superintendent Pender said the district…