Board of Education Work Session Meeting 9/22/2026

The Saint Louis Public Schools Board of Education held a work session on September 22, 2026, focusing on operational updates and procurement-related matters. Key discussions included updates on school enrollment and attendance, with emphasis on improving attendance rates through strategic interventions. The board also reviewed transportation efficiency improvements, food service participation increases, and capital improvement needs, highlighting an estimated $438 million in facility capital requirements over the next five to seven years, partially addressed by $160 million from Prop S funding. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the district's employee benefits program, where the board was presented with a competitive RFP process for medical insurance. United Healthcare was recommended for renewal with an 11.9% rate increase and a 15.9% cap on the second-year rate, offering $360,000 in annual plan credits including wellness and employee assistance programs. Anthem's proposal was less favorable due to higher potential future increases and lack of wellness benefits. The board discussed fully insured versus self-funded insurance options, with a recommendation to maintain the fully insured plan for budget predictability. The meeting concluded with approval of consent agenda items, including contracts for benefit services totaling approximately $52.75 million, and the proposed 2026 tax rate of $4.9294 per $100 assessed value. The board also approved the August 2026 consolidated check register.