Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Employee Benefits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
RSU 73 board opts for Guardian private plan to meet paid‑family medical leave mandate
Summary
To comply with Maine's new paid‑family medical leave requirement without upfront state contributions, RSU 73 approved a private plan with Guardian, which officials said delays employer/employee contributions until May 2026 and yields an estimated $150,000 cash‑flow benefit next year and smaller annual savings thereafter.
The RSU 73 school board voted to authorize a private paid‑family medical leave plan with Guardian rather than participate directly in the state plan.
Administration explained that under the state program employers and employees would begin contributing immediately (1% of wages) to build the state fund, with payments expected to begin in May 2026. By choosing an approved private provider — Guardian was recommended and Unum was noted as another state‑approved option — the district would avoid making upfront state contributions and instead delay employer/employee contributions until May 2026. Administration estimated that approach would provide roughly $150,000 in near‑term savings to the district and cited potential annual savings of about $3,000–$4,000 in subsequent years because Guardian's quoted rate was 0.98% (two hundredths less than the state's 1% rate).
Board members confirmed that administration had consulted employee groups; the district emphasized existing contractual sick‑leave provisions would remain in place if the district becomes exempt later. After questions on rates, consultation and timing, a motion to adopt Guardian as the district's private plan was moved and carried.
The board recorded that Maine School Management required a decision by May 21 so providers could establish the plan for implementation; the district will proceed to execute paperwork and notify staff.
