At a special meeting Dec. 29, the Scranton SD board voted to approve a stop-loss insurance proposal recommended by benefits consultant BSI.

The motion to approve the stop-loss policy was made by Speaker 3 and seconded by Speaker 1; a roll-call vote recorded eight "Yes" votes and one "No" (Missus Jones), and the chair announced the motion carried.

Board supporters said the stop-loss contract provides financial protection for the district against very large individual health claims and does not change employees' or teachers' health-plan benefits. "It doesn't have any effect on the actual health care plan," Speaker 5 said, describing the policy as insurance for the district rather than a change to medical coverage.

BSI's recommendation, Speaker 7 said, represents about a 4.2% reduction versus the district's expiring contract with Gerber, and the consultant estimated the change would reduce combined premium and laser liability by about $92,000. Speaker 7 also explained that the recommended coop contract would maintain the three existing "lasers" (individual exclusions or higher limits) and would prevent carriers from adding further lasers that could raise the district's exposure.

Several directors pressed staff on timing, noting the contract had a Dec. 31 deadline and would be effective Jan. 1. "I feel like at this point, we're kind of being rushed into approving this so it could be effective January 1," Speaker 4 said. Speaker 6 acknowledged some members received materials late and said staff would improve advance notice of contracts going forward.

Board members also discussed contract term and exit rights: the proposal would be an 18-month contract with a 90-day notice provision allowing the district to exit the consortium without a contractual termination fee if proper notice is given, though speakers warned that leaving mid-term could affect coverage for excess claims and would require vetting.

The board did not list any changes to employee benefits as part of the approved motion. The board also scheduled follow-up meetings to continue benefit oversight and contract tracking.