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Board renews district health plan, approves contracts including Teamsters deal and paraprofessional raises
Summary
The board voted to renew health insurance through the Minnesota Healthcare Consortium for 2026–27, discussed but did not adopt Teamsters' self-funded plan, approved 3% annual raises and other negotiated contract terms for paraprofessionals and Teamsters members.
Administration recommended renewing the district’s health insurance plans with the Minnesota Healthcare Consortium for the 2026–27 year, a motion the board approved after discussion of premium increases and alternatives.
Presenters said the district completed a full bid process and received proposals from multiple providers; after negotiation the district expects an effective increase that administration characterized as about 5% on the district’s side after bargaining adjustments. Administrators said the recommendation was to keep the same four plan options and noted the alternative structures under consideration — including an ICRA model and a Teamsters self-funded plan — would require substantial contract and bargaining changes. Administration and the district’s insurance broker said switching to the Teamsters model now would shift risks and require renegotiation across multiple bargaining groups.
Board members raised the budgetary impact and pointed to a reported overall plan cost increase that some speakers characterized as substantial relative to the district budget. The meeting included multiple references to the Teamsters plan being attractive in some districts but contentious in others; members noted Chisago County experienced strike-related tension tied to a similar plan. Administrators said they would continue to study options but recommended renewing with the consortium to avoid disruptive mid-cycle changes.
In related business the board approved negotiated contracts for paraprofessionals and a multi-role Teamsters agreement covering 2026–28. Both contracts include a 3% cost-of-living increase for each year and an increased minimum insurance contribution (raised to $8,400). The Teamsters agreement also added standard workplace-safety language and a provision enabling bus drivers with school-age children some priority for driving trips when conflicts occur, while preserving rotation and seniority processes.
All contract motions were moved, seconded and carried on the record.
