Special Board Meeting 10/12/26

The HSD board held a special study session on October 12, 2026, to consider a voluntary supplemental employee retirement plan intended to support staffing flexibility and manage possible enrollment-related reductions through attrition rather than layoffs. A consultant described a proposed benefit equal to 50% of an eligible employee’s salary, payable through several annuity options; Mutual of Omaha was identified as the benefit carrier. Eligibility under the proposal would generally require age 55 and at least 10 years of district service. An analysis based on estimated participation and one-for-one replacement projected nearly $1 million in net savings over five years, but board members emphasized that actual savings would depend on who participates, replacement costs, and staffing needs.

The board approved the agenda and unanimously approved a revised timeline: retirement-intent materials would be due January 21, the final savings analysis January 25, and the matter would be placed on the January 26 regular-meeting agenda. Members directed staff to prepare a resolution with a planning target of at least 10 certificated and 10 classified participants, while retaining the ability to proceed if the plan meets the district’s financial and organizational goals. The board also discussed having certificated staff complete the school year and allowing classified employees flexibility to retire from February 1 through the end of their contract year, with benefits reflecting actual earnings if they leave early. No final plan approval, contract award, or new procurement action occurred.