Board reviews policy updates and prepares for move to self-funded health insurance
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Summary
The board reviewed first-reading policy changes including volunteer and IEP language and a set of updates to align with a planned shift to self-funded health insurance beginning in 2026; no action was taken at first reading.
Board members reviewed a package of first-reading policy updates that cover a range of topics from volunteer oversight to terminology for special-education processes, and that also align district policies with an impending shift to self-funded health insurance.
Clerk Koberneck led the policy walk-through, saying the board removed an outdated section that expected the district to run long-range planning centrally and instead acknowledged schools leading much of that work. Several policy edits change responsibility language (for example shifting certain volunteer-related responsibilities from district administrator to building principals) and update terminology (changing "his/her" to "their" in IEP recording policy language and replacing "special education" with "pupil services" where appropriate).
On benefits policy, presenters said the district is transitioning from fully insured to self-funded health insurance effective in January 2026 (staff earlier described a self-funded start date of 07/01/2026 for district operations). The policy package includes privacy protections and alignment edits across policies numbered in the 16.19, 34.19 and 44.19 series, and removes references that will not be legally compatible under the new self-funded arrangement (for example, certain HSA language).
Board members did not vote on changes at first reading; staff said the edits are intended to align practice with the coming insurance structure and to make other clarifying updates. The board's policy committee will continue review ahead of final readings.