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Pajaro Valley Unified staff say benefits are competitive; energy projects expected to cut utility costs
Summary
District staff presented comparisons showing Pajaro Valley Unified's top-tier health plan carries a roughly $90 monthly employee contribution for a family plan and noted LED and HVAC upgrades plus planned solar projects could yield $300,000–$400,000 in annual utility savings.
District staff reviewed employee benefit comparisons and recent utility trends, telling the Sustainable Budget Team that Pajaro Valley Unified offers among the stronger top-tier health plans in nearby counties and that recent energy-efficiency projects are already lowering utility spending.
On benefits, the presenter said PV’s top-tier plan is a Blue Shield PPO and that the employee-paid monthly premium for a family top-tier plan is about $90; classified staff in the presenter’s sample pay $0 monthly. The presenter said comparisons included nearby districts (San Jose Unified and Palo Alto Unified), noting those districts are "basic aid" and receive higher local property-tax revenue, but that PV still compares favorably on employee take-home pay after benefits.
On utilities, staff reviewed five years of gas and electric expenditures, explaining pandemic disruptions and weather events produced normal variances. The presenter pointed to energy-management investments — LED lighting, thermostat upgrades and HVAC work — and said two solar projects (Calabasas and the district office) are expected to come online early next year with estimated savings of roughly $300,000 to $400,000 annually, though the exact amount is "yet to be known."
Staff members acknowledged teacher concerns that high housing costs limit recruitment and retention despite insurance benefits and said some frustrations center on dental and vision coverage. The district said it will continue to provide a detailed benefits comparison and follow up on specific cost and staffing questions.
