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Board hears Canon Financial on benefits-package options as members debate staff impact
Summary
A Canon Financial representative explained options for refining the district benefits package that could lower employer costs; board members raised concerns about asking employees to contribute more and suggested delaying changes until next year for staff preparation.
Alan Middleton of Canon Financial Strategists appeared at the Newton County Board of Education budget hearing to explain a proposed refinement to the district’s benefits package and its potential fiscal effects.
Middleton introduced himself and described comparative scenarios, including an employer contribution scenario he said would equate to $7,400,000 at a 5.5% employer rate based on 2025 payroll. He described how higher employee participation and different employer-match structures would change projected savings and outcomes for employees.
Board members pressed on fairness and timing. One member said many district employees live in the community and already face high local taxes, and questioned whether increasing employee contributions is realistic. Another urged the board to examine top-level organizational positions for possible savings before imposing changes that would affect lower-paid staff.
Several board members recommended delaying any change to the benefits package until the next budget cycle so employees would have time to prepare; staff confirmed the benefits refinement had been tabled previously and that district leaders had not solicited broad input from teachers and staff on the proposal. The board did not take action Monday; discussion is expected to continue during the budgeting process.
