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Board approves nearly $19.94 million benefits funding plan and absorbs single-coverage premium increase
Summary
The board approved an estimated $19,941,805 funding plan for benefit claims for FY 2026-27; district leadership said medical premiums across plan options will rise about 9.7% and proposed to absorb the employee-only (single) increase so single-plan employees see no change to monthly contributions.
The Washington Elementary School District governing board approved an estimated benefits funding amount of $19,941,805 for fiscal year 2026-27 and accepted a benefits plan that leadership said reflects about a 9.7% overall increase in monthly medical-premium costs.
Mister Morris presented the recommendation and explained leadership—s approach: "The district is recommending for the governing board to approve the estimated funding in the amount of $19,941,805 to manage and pay claim expenses for the fiscal year 2627," and that proposed medical contribution rates "reflect an overall increase of approximately 9.7" across plan options. Morris said district leadership recommends fully absorbing the cost increase for employee-only coverage so employees electing single coverage will see no change in their monthly contributions.
Board members expressed appreciation that the district could cover the single-coverage increase but voiced concern about sustainability if premiums continue to rise; Vice President Lindsay Peterson said absorbing the full increase this year could make future years more difficult and urged caution.
President Clayton moved to approve the estimated funding and benefit plan as presented; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The board did not specify longer-term mitigation steps at the meeting; finance and benefits staff said they are exploring strategies and investments to manage rising costs.
Next steps: benefits staff will continue monitoring utilization and fund levels and report back to the board as needed; the plan will go into effect for the 2026-27 plan year.
