THIS JUSTIN

Board approves benefit plan

Published Saturday, May 19, 2012
By Erika Pedroza

Northwest trustees Monday night approved a benefit plan for next year very similar to the current one.

Executive Director of Personnel Services Kitty Poehler said the benefits (co-pays, coverage, etc.) would be exactly the same from this year, and the only difference is a 15 percent increase in premiums.

“It’s telling of the times when you’re excited about a 15 percent increase,” Poehler said.

The plan includes:

  • self-insured medical and dental claims administration, disease/precertification/large case management and preferred provider network with Allegiance Benefit Plan;
  • prescription drug card/mail order with SXC Health Solutions Inc.;
  • voluntary vision program with Vision Services Plan; and
  • Alliance Work Partners as the employee assistance program provider.

In other news, the board:

  • discussed financing plan for the fourth issuance of the 2008 bond and updates to localized policy;
  • heard a monthly construction report;
  • discussed extending its contract with Keller ISD to use its natatorium through 2018 because developments of the a future bond program don’t include one for Northwest due to a high cost;

Trustees also recognized several accomplishments including:

  • Chisholm Trail Middle School, Seven Hills Elementary School and Clara Love Elementary School being named America’s Choice National Model Schools;
  • the Honor Student Council School of Excellence at Kay Granger Elementary School;
  • Trudy Potts for outstanding leadership efforts in the use of technology by promoting literacy success;
  • Highly Qualified English as a Second Language teachers;
  • Ashley Martin for her artwork used on Partners in Education materials; and
  • six Leadership NISD graduates. Leadership NISD promotes the vision of the district, develops community leadership to support the district’s success and provides a resource for community input and involvement. It is hoped that the program attracts individuals who will be future members of district committees and teams.

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At its next meeting Tuesday, May 29, the board will elect officers and swear in Judy Copp into Place 4. Copp replaces Leong, who resigned with a year left in her term. Leong’s last meeting was Monday.