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Board approves modest health premium increases and move to self‑insured dental plan; personnel hires approved
Summary
The board approved the insurance task force recommendations: HMO premiums to rise 2.75%, the high‑deductible plan 0.775%, and a move to a self‑insured dental model (projected 2% change). The board also approved personnel items, including hiring French teacher Blake Doyle.
The Onalaska School District board on March 24 approved recommendations from its insurance task force for the 2025–26 plan year and accepted routine personnel items.
District staff recommended continuing two health plan options — an HMO and a high‑deductible health plan paired with an HSA — and reported negotiated premium movement: HMO premiums were presented as increasing by 2.75 percent and the high‑deductible plan by 0.775 percent. Administrators also proposed shifting dental coverage to a self‑insured model to reduce administrative costs; staff said the change would spare employees the larger premium increase proposed by the carrier and allow the district to manage claims directly. "We are recommending staying with [the current carrier] this year," staff said while walking through premium and deductible figures.
Motion by Sean, seconded by Tracy, approved the insurance task force recommendations on a voice vote. The board also considered personnel items: the board welcomed a new hire, Blake Doyle, who will serve as a French teacher after two years teaching abroad, and approved the personnel report by motion.
Board members characterized the insurance recommendations as manageable for employees and highlighted the district’s efforts to balance sustainability and competitiveness in benefits. The motions carried by voice vote with no recorded dissent.
