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Whiteford Schools to change health insurer after 47% premium spike; board approves leave, retirement incentive and routine business
Summary
The board voted to switch health insurance to MESSA effective Jan. 1, 2026 after an insurer proposed a 47% premium increase; it also approved an unpaid leave request, a districtwide retirement incentive, RFP timelines for facilities work, and recognized staff and student activities.
At its Dec. 8 meeting, the Whiteford Agricultural Schools Board of Education approved several administrative actions and heard operational updates from district leaders, including a plan to change the district's health insurance carrier and several personnel and facilities updates.
Health insurance: Director of Human Resources Cathy Machcinski told the board the district's current insurer proposed a 47% increase in monthly premiums for 2026. After soliciting five additional bids, the district will change carriers to MESSA effective Jan. 1, 2026. Machcinski said MESSA plans will offer staff three HSA options and that premium increases with MESSA will range from 3.93% to 14.43% depending on the plan selected. Administration said an open-enrollment period will be scheduled before the Christmas break to allow eligible staff to choose a plan.
Personnel and benefits: The board approved an unpaid leave of absence for a fifth-grade teacher effective immediately after a 12-week FMLA period (beginning Feb. 2, 2026 through June 5, 2026). The board also voted 4-0 to offer a retirement incentive to all staff without a years-of-service restriction; the minutes do not specify eligibility details or financial terms for the incentive.
Facilities and operations: Director Charlie Butz updated the board on facilities projects including Turf Tank field painting equipment, near-complete dugouts (roofing and ceilings in progress), completed baseball-field drainage, and planned electrical work for an art-room kiln. A parking-lot RFP was issued with bids due Dec. 19 at 9:00 a.m. and opening at 9:15 a.m. Administration also plans RFPs for water filters (per state drinking-water requirements) and for custodial services early next year.
School activities and recognitions: Student Council Vice President Mallory Bahls reported the student council is sponsoring six families for Angel Tree and is planning Mr. and Miss Whiteford on Jan. 9 and Winterfest on Jan. 10. The board recognized bus driver Kris Schroyer as Staff Member of the Month; Meghann Borgelt of Leski Wittman Insurance Agency presented a $100 gift card.
Other motions: The board approved the consent agenda (minutes and November financials) and set the annual organizational meeting and regular meeting for Jan. 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The regular meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
