Board approves increased staffing at district clinic to manage self-funded health costs
Summary
The board approved adding 0.6 FTE to the Health & Wellness Center (bringing total to 1.4 FTE) at an estimated $63,960 to expand school-year practitioner coverage and reduce claims under the district's self-funded insurance model.
The board approved a staffing change for the district’s Health & Wellness Center at its Dec. 8 meeting after a presentation by Troy and comments from administration.
Troy said the clinic lead requested a permanent reduction from 1.0 to 0.8 FTE for personal reasons; administration proposed adding 0.6 FTE (netting a total 1.4 FTE) to provide better overlap during the school year and to improve access. The additional 0.6 FTE carries an estimated annual cost of about $63,960, which administration said is built into budget projections following a recent contract change with Ascension that lowered unit costs for clinic services.
Administrators argued the clinic reduces overall claims cost for the district because staff who use the clinic may avoid higher-cost urgent care or emergency-room visits and reduce lost work time; as a self-funded employer the district has a direct financial incentive to maintain clinic access. Board members asked for clarification on how the additional hours would be scheduled, and supporters on the board and staff said utilization and employee satisfaction data justify the change.
The motion to increase clinic staffing and associated costs was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
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