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South Saint Paul board approves proposed levy, transportation and HealthPartners insurance contract
Summary
The board approved the 2025 payable 2026 proposed levy, a 2+2 transportation contract with the current provider, and a 2026–27 self‑insured health plan with HealthPartners (incumbent) after staff presentations; the insurance bid includes an 8% health premium and 3% dental premium increase and removal of GLP‑1 weight‑loss medication coverage.
At the Sept. 22 business meeting, the South Saint Paul School Board approved three business items presented by district staff.
Proposed levy (2025 payable 2026): Finance staff (identified in the meeting record as Rai/Rajathup) described the annual levy process and noted statutory obligations to file preliminary levy forms with county auditors by Sept. 30 and the requirement to hold a Truth‑in‑Taxation hearing in December (staff penciled in Dec. 8). The proposal was approved as an informational step in the levy timeline by voice vote, 6–0; staff will submit the required forms to the county.
Transportation contracts: Staff said they worked with Catalyst Sourcing and negotiated with the current transportation provider toward a 2+2 year agreement that includes clarified safety language and updated rates. The board approved the recommended transportation contracts by voice vote.
Self‑insured health insurance contract (2026–27): HR director Charlie Cook reported that six carriers submitted proposals and that HealthPartners, the district’s incumbent, submitted the most competitive bid. Staff and the district insurance committee recommended acceptance. Cook said projected changes include an 8 percent increase in health insurance premiums and a 3 percent increase in dental premiums, effective Jan. 1, 2026, and the removal of GLP‑1 medication coverage for weight‑loss purposes; staff also described wellness and prescription‑mailing strategies to manage costs. Board members acknowledged the rising cost of health care and approved the contract by a 6–0 voice vote.
Each action was presented as part of required annual processes; board members thanked staff for negotiation and oversight work and directed staff to file or notify appropriate external parties (county auditors, contract partners) as required.
