Board approves switching EAP to insurer-provided service to save district money

The board discussed changing its employee assistance program (EAP) arrangement to use services bundled with the district’s insurer, National Insurance Services (NIS), instead of contracting separately with Aurora Healthcare. According to the meeting record, the Aurora arrangement had previously cost $500 annually plus $100 per visit; NIS provides EAP services as part of its package at no additional charge to the district.

Board President framed the change as a cost-saving measure and asked trustees for questions; no objections were raised. A staff member who spoke in favor said the district does not receive a high volume of calls but that retaining access for employees and families is important. Board President summarized the fiscal rationale: "Every dollar counts." A staff speaker added, "...it's certainly worth a try," and called the NIS option "a good solution." The record shows the board accepted the recommendation to move EAP services to the insurer-provided option.

The transcript does not show additional implementation details (e.g., transition timeline or whether any vendor notice is required). The administration and human-resources staff should confirm contractual steps and employee communications before the change is implemented.