Team Fort Osage met virtually on May 7. There was discussion about Fort's response to the COVID 19 crisis, health insurance for the January 1, 2021 renewal, the CSD Trust (optional retirement accounts), the budget, and EdCounsel policy services. Information is provided below on each of these topics. The next Team Fort Osage meeting is scheduled for June 2.
COVID-19 The pandemic has posed several challenges that we have continued to work through. The information below was discussed regarding changes to our normal business. Summer School In June the District will hold summer school virtually for students 9-12 as well as K-12 students with Extended School Year (ESY) in their IEP. Further, if local guidelines will allow, the District is planning to have an in person summer school session for students K-12 from July 6-23 for 4 hours in the morning each day. There will be several safety measures implemented in order to keep students and staff safe. Transportation will not be offered and depending on the enrollment, sites may be combined. School in the Fall Our plan is to be in session in person with students on August 24 but know we need to continue to be nimble regarding the guidelines that are in place at that time. Health Insurance Fort's claims loss through March is 104% (for every $1.00 paid in premiums Cigna is paying $1.04 in claims). Although the claims have improved over the past few months this is still an area of concern as we get closer to our January 1 renewal. We are planning to go to bid this summer for our 2021 health insurance provider and coverage. This will help us to determine our best options for health insurance as we move forward. A decision regarding our insurance provider and the plans that we offer will be made by the September board meeting. Team Fort Osage provided affirmation to continue to consider deductibles and out of pocket costs as insurance decisions are made. CSD Trust A decision regarding moving to the Trust for staff member voluntary retirement investments has been put on hold at this time. Team Fort agreed that a possible change of financial advisors during the volatile market is not advisable. Budget Creating a budget during a pandemic presents many challenges as there are several unknowns regarding funding. Thus far, during the current fiscal year (FY 20) the Governor has made several state budget cuts due to a loss in sales tax. Up to now the impact of these cuts on Fort Osage has been a $40,000 reduction to transportation funding. However, just this week the Governor has communicated with school district superintendents that there will be further cuts in the current budget year and more to come in FY 21. We are currently working through the impact these cuts will have on Fort’s budget. As the pandemic continues, the FY 21 budget is even more challenging to consider. Maintaining a balanced budget is a priority for the Board, and my goal is to achieve that while continuing to provide appropriate staffing, good health insurance coverage, and provide steps and movement for staff. In a nutshell, after budgeting for probable reductions in Prop C (sales tax), transportation funding and the property tax collection rate, Fort would be facing a deficit budget. However, the federal CARES Act funds the District will be receiving due to the pandemic may allow the District to provide steps and movement while maintaining a balanced budget. Since information regarding the economy is updated regularly, we continue to monitor the budget and will make appropriate changes as necessary. The FY 21 budget will be provided to the Board at the June meeting for their adoption. EdCounsel Policy Services The Board has entered into an agreement with EdCounsel, who provides the District’s legal counsel, to review and adopt new board policies that follow state statute but are also aligned to Fort Osage’s practices. As part of the service, EdCounsel has also worked with building principals to create a student/parent handbook for each school as well as an employee manual that will serve as a ‘one stop shop’ for staff. These policies and handbooks are being adopted this spring and will go into effect on July 1, 2020. One change in practice the board is considering is to require liquidated damages from contracted employees who resign after June 1. Under this policy, staff would be required to pay the District on a sliding scale if they resign after June 1, because when staff leave the District on short notice it creates additional expenses and challenges for all involved. The Board may consider extreme circumstances when applying this policy. Comments are closed.
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