Board hears plan to move bus drivers into larger insurance pool, reduce pay steps; motion to ratify recorded but no vote in transcript

District staff presented a tentative agreement with the West Washington Bus Drivers and Monitors Association that would change insurance enrollment, employee contributions and the pay schedule for drivers and monitors. A motion to ratify the agreement for the 2025–28 contract term was made and seconded; the transcript records discussion of the terms but does not contain a recorded vote.

Why it matters: The agreement would affect a small but operationally important employee group (drivers and monitors), change benefit enrollment timing and premiums, and alter the pay-schedule structure used for recruitment and retention.

Key elements presented: Staff explained that moving bus drivers into a larger insurance pool administered through the district’s consortium (referred to in the packet as MESA/Mesa Insurance) will stabilize premiums for the small bargaining unit. Presenters said the district would cover the majority of the single-coverage cost in the first year (staff cited a district contribution figure roughly $139.56 and an employee contribution around $10 per month under the new structure, though the presentation was complex about exact timing). Because the district’s larger pool runs on a Jan. 1–Dec. 31 plan year while the drivers’ existing plan runs July 1–June 30, staff described two consecutive open-enrollment periods during the transition.

Other contract changes: Staff said the negotiated agreement reduces the driver pay schedule from six steps to three to aid recruitment and retention. Presenters also noted a language change related to leave around birth/parental events and thanked multiple staff members for negotiating the agreement.

Board discussion and procedural status: Staff and board members discussed rate volatility for small groups, estimated employee savings for single coverage versus current costs, and implementation complexity of two enrollment windows during transition. A motion to ratify the agreement was made and seconded; the transcript includes detailed staff explanation but no roll-call or voice vote is recorded in the transcript. The transcript therefore does not establish whether the board formally approved the agreement that evening. The district indicated an implementation plan involving enrollment windows and an initial district contribution for the first year.

Next steps: If ratified, staff said they will open enrollment windows, process the move into the consortium and implement the new pay schedule. The transcript recommends confirming the board’s formal vote in official minutes or with district clerks.