North Miami Beach Approves Self-Funded Health Insurance Plan

Overview: In an effort towards cost savings and increased control over employee health benefits, the North Miami Beach City Council has voted to transition the city’s health insurance plan from a fully insured arrangement to a self-funded one. Eric Brewer, a representative from Corporate Synergies, presented the concept, emphasizing that the city, by self-funding, would assume the financial risk for the medical plan, rather than paying a fixed fee to an insurer like Etna. This change aims to maintain the same level of benefit plan designs for employees and their families while potentially achieving long-term affordability for the plan’s members.

Branchburg School Board Welcomes New Member and Principal

Overview: The Branchburg School Board meeting was marked by appointments and discussions on school operations. Ken Hollenbeck was sworn in as the newest member of the board, and Dr. Christia Greenberg was appointed as the principal of Branchburg Central Middle School (BCMS), effective July 1st. The meeting also addressed the development of the school district calendar, concerns over collective bargaining scheduling changes, and the acknowledgment of educators who received the Governor’s Educator of the Year award.

Shutesbury Grapples with Regional School Budget Increase

Overview: In the recent meeting of the Shutesbury Select Board, one notable issue discussed was the substantial 88.2% increase in the regional school budget and its potential impact on the town’s finances. The topic dominated the conversation with concerns about the fairness of the increase and the implications for Shutesbury’s tax rate. The Finance Committee suggested a more moderate 6% increase for the town, challenging the proposed budget. The meeting concluded with no resolution on the matter, leaving significant uncertainty about the next steps and the possibility of further discussion.

Granby School Committee Tackles Budget and Superintendent Search

Overview: The Granby School Committee convened recently to address issues concerning the future of the district’s education system, with the FY 25 budget vote and the superintendent search process taking center stage. Amidst these primary topics, discussions also unfolded regarding the implementation of a new policy for dual enrollment and the ongoing kitchen project, while attendees were informed about upcoming school events and the Innovation Career Pathway in Information Technology designation for Granby.

Easthampton School Committee Tackles Digital Policy and Field Trip Debate

Overview: In a recent Easthampton School Committee meeting, significant time was dedicated to discussing the complexities of policy regarding the use of digital resources within the district. Alongside this, an animated debate unfolded over the approval of an out-of-state field trip to Europe. The meeting also covered the approval of another student trip to New York City, the first reading of several new policies, and considerations for the district’s public records custodianship.