Stillwater Area Public Schools board approves smaller premium increase, limits GLP‑1 coverage to medical uses

The Stillwater Area Public Schools Board of Education voted at a special meeting to set next year’s health insurance renewal at a 13% premium increase and to continue coverage of GLP‑1 class medications for diabetes and cardiovascular uses while excluding coverage for weight‑loss purposes.

Board members said the decision balanced fiscal pressures on the district’s insurance fund against wide public comment and staff and union input. Chris, a district staff member presenting the renewal, told the board, “we are finding ourselves, short 3 and a half million dollars in, revenue to support our plan.” The board approved the motion by voice vote; the meeting record shows one nay and unspecified abstentions.

The vote followed a presentation from district staff and the insurance consultant, Aaron Casper, laying out claims trends and premium scenarios. Staff reported projected claims and fixed costs of about $24,000,000 against anticipated premium income of roughly $20,000,000–$20,500,000, producing the shortfall the district must address.

Why it matters: Stillwater’s insurance trust has faced rising prescription and medical claims, and the board cited the need to limit premium growth to avoid deeper budget impacts on classroom…