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Dr. Amy St. John warns of near‑term $9.8M shortfall; board weighs four employee‑insurance options
Summary
District finance lead Dr. Amy St. John told the May 7 work session that updated state funding estimates could produce a $9.8 million deficit next year; the board reviewed four insurance packages that range from modest employee cost shifts to a $3 million savings scenario—and scheduled dependent‑verification and renewal votes for May 21.
Dr. Amy St. John told the Francis Howell R‑III board at a May 7 work session that revised state funding estimates created a large revenue shortfall and that the district must consider changes to how it funds health insurance.
“We would be deficit spending by $9,800,000 next year if nothing changes,” Dr. St. John said as she walked the board through historic fund‑balance swings, one‑time COVID and FIT tax infusions, and a self‑insurance fund that has recently required a $1 million transfer to shore reserves.
Why it matters: insurance is the district’s second‑largest expenditure after salaries, and administrators said a broker renewal projected a roughly 12.5% premium increase. Board members repeatedly said the district must balance fiscal sustainability with retention and recruitment concerns for lower‑paid employees.
What administrators presented:
- Financial…
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