San Angelo ISD board approves $1,000 insurance supplement, keeps monthly contribution unchanged

The San Angelo ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously July 20 to keep the district insurance contribution at $4.79 per pay period and to provide a $1,000 insurance supplement to eligible employees, with administration defining payment parameters.

Board Treasurer Mr. Bridal moved the measure, saying administration would define parameters such as split payments and eligibility; the motion passed 5-0. "That stipend," he said when describing timing options, "could be $500 in December and $500 at the end of the year based on employment dates," language the board included in the motion (motion language as presented by Mr. Bridal).

The vote followed a lengthy financial presentation that projected a multi-million-dollar deficit driven by declining student enrollment, a local tax-base freeze and a 7.5% projected increase in employee health insurance costs. Presentation slides and discussion laid out two staff options: Option A would raise the district contribution (from $479 to $500) and provide a smaller supplement; Option B would keep the contribution unchanged and provide a $1,000 one-time insurance supplement. Board members debated sustainability and employee impact before selecting Option B. "1000 dollars is going to be a significant infusion of revenue for those employees who are our most needy," one board member said in supporting the motion.

Administrators told the board the $1,000 supplement will be funded from district reserves and that parameters (who qualifies, timing and proration for mid-year hires/retirees) will be defined administratively. The board record shows the motion passed 5-0 and that the administration is delegated authority to set payment parameters.