Health insurance premiums rise 21 percent; district adds $250,000 to soften the cost for employees

What happened

At the March 17, 2026 luncheon meeting the finance director said the district faces a 21 percent increase in health insurance premiums for 2026-27. The district will not pass the whole increase to staff and will add $250,000 beyond the amount already budgeted. The same meeting covered a state ballot proposal (SB26-135) that would return state money, with an education cap the district called far too small.

Why it matters to families

Higher insurance costs take money away from other spending and affect employees' take-home pay.

The evidence

The March 17 luncheon minutes record the 21 percent figure and the additional $250,000.

The source