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Board OKs return-to-work health benefit with new eligibility and substitute requirements
Summary
The governing board approved a 'work for insurance' program allowing eligible retirees to return as substitutes to receive district health benefits, with a 35-day minimum and substitute certification required.
The Cartwright Elementary School District governing board approved a revised "work for insurance" program for 2025–26 that lets qualifying retired employees return in a limited capacity and receive district health insurance while working as substitutes.
Acting Superintendent Steve Watson told the board the program was revised after legal review to align with state law and to ensure the district receives in-kind work in return for the benefit. "We are asking and recommending that each individual work for 35 days to be eligible for the insurance, and the expectation is that the retiree would substitute for the teacher in the classroom," Watson said. The board approved the program by roll-call vote; the motion carried unanimously.
Key program rules the district presented include a minimum service requirement to qualify, termination of the program upon Medicare eligibility at age 65, a requirement that participants possess at least an emergency substitute certificate, and a 35-working-day minimum in the district for eligibility. The district said it would assist retirees with obtaining necessary substitute certification where needed. The plan also applies a 90% coverage rule for retired employees who return to work, matches benefit amounts to FTE (part-time prorated), and establishes employment-duration cutoffs tied to payment dates.
Watson said the district expects up to 16 eligible participants for 2025–26, up from 11 participants in 2024–25 if all those eligible choose to enroll. The administration argued the substitute-work requirement helps the district fill day-to-day classroom coverage needs while offering a benefit to long-serving employees.
Board members asked implementation questions about tracking and accountability in a large district. Governing Board President Lydia Hernandez thanked administrators for clarifying record-keeping and tracking measures. After discussion, the board voted to approve the program and directed administration to put tracking and certification support processes in place.
The board’s action record identifies the motion as approved; administration will publish eligibility steps and work with Human Resources and school principals to coordinate retiree-substitute assignments.
