FeedsInsurance premiums imperil district
It probably came as no surprise to those watching or attending a budget presentation at the Wayne-Westland Community School Board Monday night that health care costs will increase for the district.
Despite efforts from the administration and some employee groups to rein in those costs, it remains one area where the district has had little success.
Again, it’s no surprise; health care increases have become an industry standard for a variety of reasons-depending on whatever the line of the day those entities provide.
What might have been a surprise, is the size of the increase. The district is facing a 17 percent jump in its Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA) health insurance-for the 800 teachers in the district-for the next year, which amounts to about $1.7 million. This comes at a time when the district has been forced to close schools and seek concessions from employee groups in order to deal with a budget deficit.
The district has received concessions from other employee groups, but had little progress with the Wayne-Westland Education Association, secretaries union or paraprofessionals, according to district officials.
In order for the district to truly concentrate on its mission, these unions have to allow the district to present other insurance options.
Teachers are the largest and most employee group and, virtually by definition, the most expensive. This isn’t about seeing that they get what they deserve, but merely a realization of the economic situation the district is in-not to mention the state as a whole.
It’s well past time for the two sides to come together on this.
