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Red Wing board awards ancillary benefits contract to MetLife, bundles state PFML
Summary
The Red Wing Public School District board voted to award its 2026–27 ancillary benefits contract to MetLife, approving a bundled package that includes Minnesota’s upcoming paid family and medical leave program. Board members cited administrative simplicity and projected savings while noting a small net premium difference for one line item.
The Red Wing Public School District board voted to award its 2026–27 ancillary benefits contract to MetLife and to bundle multiple optional coverages, including the state’s forthcoming paid family and medical leave (PFML), during its regular meeting.
District officials told the board that Minnesota requires employers to provide PFML beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and that bundling benefits with a single carrier would simplify billing and claims. A benefits presenter said the bundled MetLife proposal would slightly increase the PFML funding rate relative to the public option but produce net savings across other ancillary lines.
“...the most financially viable option that provided savings to the district across the ancillary benefits … was to put all the benefits with MetLife,” the presenter said. Jake, a member of the benefits team, corrected a figure during discussion, saying the MetLife differential was “just under $5,000.” The presenter and staff said the district expects about $20,500 in savings compared with the district’s current MetLife pricing and about $37,000 in savings compared with renewing the district’s existing carrier.
Board members also were told MetLife offers a two‑year rate guarantee on PFML if two or more core lines are bundled. Supporters said a single carrier means one bill and one claims process for employees, which the administration and the district’s labor‑management committee favored.
During discussion board members and staff clarified how costs are allocated: some ancillary options are employee‑paid, while others are partly paid by the district as part of the benefits package. A board member moved to award the ancillary insurance contract to MetLife; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call.
Votes at a glance - Ancillary benefits contract to MetLife — approved (roll call; unanimous). - Consent agenda — approved. - Second reading of policies 06/2621 — approved. - 2025–26 restrictive procedures plan — approved. - Move Dec. 22 meeting to Dec. 15 (truth and taxation hearing) — approved. - Custodian agreement 2025–27 — approved. - Motion to meet in closed session for the superintendent evaluation — approved.
Board members and administrators said the decision balances an uncertain start‑up for the state PFML program with administrative efficiencies and potential savings in other ancillary lines. The district’s labor‑management committee and administrative team recommended the MetLife package.
The board approved the motion by roll call. Those recorded on the roll included Miss Brack, Therese, Caleb, Rachel and Jennifer (all voting aye); the chair also recorded an aye vote. The motion carried.
