The Twin Rivers R-X Board of Education discussed summer school dates, heard some encouraging financial news and was updated on insurance matters at a recent board meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Ben Johnson told the board that the latest financial report shows the district’s finances are becoming more balanced and it’s taken less than a year.
According to Johnson, every district’s ultimate goal is to have reserve cash available in the amount of three months operating expenses so that in a financial emergency the district would be able to pay salaries and operating expenses.
“Depending on the school district, that’s usually somewhere between 15% and 20%. We are trending upward and now we are at about 13-14%, which is fantastic,” Johnson said Thursday. “We were in the 3% range when we started, so we’ve increased it by a good 10% between now and then.
“We’re getting in that good, comfortable range in case the bottom falls out, which usually never happens. It’s just what good, financially responsible organizations try to strive for.”
Everyone from the district, from administration to teachers and support staff has gotten on board, Johnson added.
“It’s all of us, collectively together, and that’s been really exciting. It’s one of the things that I’m most proud of so far for this school year,” he said.
Health insurance
The district will maintain coverage with its current insurance provider after bids were sought by other companies. The bad news is there will be an increase.
“We met with three different companies and two of them absolutely couldn’t compete with what we have. We chose to maintain our current provider because they were the best out of that bunch. I’m very proud that in despite of everything, we cover our employees’ health insurance,” Johnson said.
The district’s current provider is Missouri Educators Unified Health Plan, otherwise known as MEUHP. Their bid included an increase of 7.5%. Depending on the employee’s chosen plan, money paid by the district can go into an HSA (Health Savings Account) for the employee. To make sure that individual employees do not have to pay, the amount deposited in the HSA will shrink this year.
“In one plan, it’s going to be $2 as opposed to $45 last year, so it’s a difference of $40, which can make an impact when you’re planning and budgeting for your family. On our end, and on the employee’s end, they’re going to be having less money available in their HSA, which we don’t like to see but we’re still covering their premium, so we’re going to stay at that rate because that’s what we do, take care of our employees,” Johnson said.
Calendar
The district’s next school year calendar had a slight revision after being discussed at the last school board meeting. Two and a half days were added by state mandate to cover the possibility of inclement weather. The last day of school in the district moves from May 10, 2022, to May 13, 2022, with students attending a half day on the 13th. Days can be taken off if no school days are lost due to severe weather.
Summer school
Summer school will be held on campus this year with the dates being set from May 26 to June 23. Last year, summer school participation was limited to just a handful of students due to the COVID pandemic. Only those students that required additional credits to graduate attended last year’s session. This year, the district will resume summer school for all grades pre-kindergarten through 12.
The board adjourned for a closed session to discuss an updated substitute teachers list, staffing issues and student matters.
The next board meeting will be held Tuesday, April 13.