Garfield board approves switch of employee health coverage to Aetna amid protests and legal concerns

Garfield Public School District trustees voted Jan. 27 to authorize a transition of district employee health coverage toward a plan managed by Aetna, a move Superintendent Dr. Wojciech (Wojtek) Tomko said could save the district and employees about $800,000 in the first year.

The decision, included in the board's education agenda bundle (items 10.1'10.30), drew more than three hours of public testimony from teachers, union leaders, retirees and students. Union representatives called the change abrupt and said they were not consulted; speakers described medical disruptions, long waits for specialists and concern that teachers will leave the district if benefits change.

Why it matters: The board and superintendent framed the switch as a near-term cost-saving step the district can use to shore up building needs and staffing. Opponents said the move was announced and voted on too quickly, risked disrupting ongoing care for teachers and retirees, and could worsen staffing shortages if educators leave for districts with steadier benefits.

Superintendent's case and board action Dr. Tomko told the board that the district had the option to remain in the State Health Benefits Program (which offers plans through providers such as Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield) or to "shop around" for a district-specific plan. He said Aetna proposed a plan that is "equal or better" than the district's current coverage and that, conservatively, "the conservative savings to this district and the employees pockets is $800,000 this year." He said the savings would help cover…