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Board approves 21.4% medical premium increase recommended by EBT; trustees note employee impact
Summary
The governing board approved a 21.4% medical premium increase (and a 1.7% dental increase) for the 2026–27 plan year as recommended by the Employee Benefits Trust, a move district staff said would increase district budgeted expense by roughly $3 million and draw on reserves.
The Gilbert Public Schools governing board on March 31 approved increases to employee medical and dental insurance rates for plan year 2026–27 following a unanimous recommendation from the Employee Benefits Trust (EBT) committees.
Dr. Shane McCord summarized the EBT recommendation: the committee and trust board backed a 21.4% medical premium increase, which the district said represents an increased budgeted expense of slightly more than $3 million for the district. Officials noted the total impact of plan design changes would be about 24%, but a 21.4% premium increase was recommended given the trust’s reserve health. The trust also recommended a 1.7% dental rate increase.
Board members acknowledged the decision’s strain on employees. One trustee who serves on the EBT board described the numbers as “pretty staggering” and urged continued work to find ways to minimize employee impacts; other trustees said the district’s increase is relatively lower than regional and national trends, but acknowledged the burden on employees.
The board moved, seconded and approved the EBT rate adjustments by voice vote; staff said the trust anticipates a potential drawdown of roughly $671,728 of EBT reserves to help smooth the change.
