Entering his third term as a Twin Rivers R-X Board of Education member, Billy Watson was voted as board president during Tuesday evening’s meeting.
Serving as vice-president last year and a time before, Watson said it was the natural progression for him to move to the helm of the board.
“I appreciate the nomination and feel like it’s my turn to serve,” he said. “I want to keep making improvements for the school district and help keep the school moving in the right direction.”
Keith Parker, who just completed his first year on the board, was voted to serve as vice-president.
Leah Winchester was re-appointed as board secretary and treasurer.
New board members, Bruce Goodrich and Lee Wright were also sworn in following the April 2 election.
__Insurance__
The board approved its only health insurance option by renewing with Missouri Educators United Health Plan, even with an increase in cost.
According to Superintendent Jeremy Siebert, no other consortium was able to offer different plan options due to its large loss ratio number.
With a loss ratio of over 2.0, Siebert said the district was “not healthy enough” due to several large isolated claims. Last year, he said, the district unfortunately had several employees with cancer and a large number of teachers had children.
Two other companies were contacted, but after seeing the district’s loss ratio number, Siebert said he was told they could not offer anything.
In what is told to be a “one time deal,” the cost increase will come from an assessment fee of $48 per month, per employee and retiree charge for 12 months.
The district has about 155 employees.
“It’s not pretty, but it is what it is,” Siebert said.
Parker, who is an insurance agent, asked Siebert if Teladoc or “call a doctor” option was included with the current provided.
Siebert said it was included and some employees utilize the feature.
“If we could get more employees to utilize it, it will make a huge difference on the rates,” Parker said.
Siebert also reported the Salary Committee met with employees several times for feedback on the increase.
The consensus from employees was they would rather take the insurance rate increase themselves opposed to the district to allow a salary increases later.
__PD Plan__
The board unanimously approved the 2019-20 Professional Development Plan.
The plan, prepared annually, outlines travel policies and other guidelines for professional development days.
__Next Meeting__
The next Board of Education meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 at the Central Office Board room.