Burbank board approves review of employee health benefits after teachers’ union push
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Summary
Following a request from the Burbank Teachers Association, the board authorized the Volition Group to review health-benefit options for the district and employees; trustees said the process is phased and staff expect an initial report before more work proceeds.
The Burbank Unified School District board unanimously approved a consultant contract with the Volition Group on Dec. 18 to assess health-benefit options for employees, a move urged earlier in the meeting by Burbank Teachers Association president Sarah Schwartz.
Schwartz told the board educators have sought relief from rising health-care costs and urged the district to "shop around" rather than remain with CalPERS, noting other districts pursued alternate pools. "Approving this contract will allow us to do our due diligence with the help of experts who have demonstrated success for other school districts," Schwartz said.
Superintendent Oscar Macias said discussions with Glendale Unified and others showed potential savings, and he described the review as an opportunity to assess whether the district can maintain services while reducing costs for employees and the district. Board members emphasized realistic expectations: one trustee noted Glendale’s reported $6.2 million savings came in a larger district with different pay structure and cautioned results may differ.
The contract is structured in phases so the district can stop the process if early findings are not promising. Trustees requested a clear check-in after Phase 1; the superintendent said the firm’s president is ready to meet quickly once the contract is approved.
The motion carried unanimously. Staff and union representatives said they expect early engagement and a report back to the board following the initial phase of work.
