Council Bluffs school board approves contracts, spending request and health plan arrangement; multiple motions pass

The Council Bluffs Community Schools Board of Education approved multiple routine and capital items during its public meeting, including an agreement to restore access to CHI providers for district health-plan members, schematic design work and theatrical systems for the Thomas Jefferson High School auditorium, a modified supplemental amount request for at-risk and dropout prevention funding, and a visitor‑management contract for district buildings.

In a vote on the health-services agreement with CHI, the board approved a contract intended to restore CHI access for district employees after a separation between CHI and Aetna. District HR staff said the contract will allow members to again see CHI providers as of Feb. 1 and estimated the district’s interim cost at about $4 per member per month — roughly “just a little under $25,000” from the time of the vote until new rates take effect in July. Board member Myer(s) (recorded in the meeting as Miss Myers) abstained on the motion because she is a CHI employee; other board members voted to approve the agreement. District staff said the arrangement follows modeling after Millard School District’s contract with CHI.

The board approved a contract with Heartland Scenic Studio Inc. for replacement lighting,…