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Pulaski County School Board hears budget public hearing; insurer concessions could lower projected hike, but 18% held for now
Summary
Officials said insurer Anthem and the district—s consultant cut projected claims by about $1,000,000, which could reduce the forecasted increase from 18% toward roughly 10% (and possibly 5–6% if reinsurance falls), but the board kept an 18% placeholder until county figures are confirmed.
The Pulaski County School Board opened a public hearing on the proposed budget and heard an insurance update that may reduce the district—s planned increase.
A board presenter summarized recent talks with the district—s insurer and consultant, saying the carrier "came down about 1000000 dollars in claims," and that claims and reinsurance pressures are easing. The presenter said the district—s current projection remains an 18% increase but that negotiations have brought the figure toward "right at about a 10 to 9%" increase; with further reinsurance reductions the presenter said the increase could fall to "somewhere around a 5% or 6%." (Presenter: S4.)
The board repeatedly stressed a conservative approach to reserves. The presenter said the district aims to maintain roughly a 10% reserve target and would prefer to add to reserves rather than reduce them if claims fall. In response to a board question about stop-loss coverage, the presenter reiterated that nothing is finalized and that negotiations with Anthem and the district—s consultant, Irby, are ongoing.
Board members noted the district can amend the budget after the county settles its figures. The presenter advised the board that, while numbers look better, the district would hold the 18% figure in the proposed budget until county confirmation and additional vendor responses are received. The hearing remained open to public comment in case community members arrived later.
The district did not provide a finalized budget document or an effective date for any change during the portion of the meeting captured in the transcript; staff said they would return with updated figures as they are confirmed.
