Martin County School Board Workshop Meeting

At the Martin County School Board workshop on October 7, 2026, district staff and the Garing Group presented follow-up information on employee benefits and insurance. No contracts were awarded and no procurement votes were taken. The board discussed whether using a professional employer organization could affect Florida Retirement System eligibility; ADP declined to quote, and the district did not obtain a definitive answer from FRS. Other discussion covered tobacco-related wellness incentives, biometric screenings through Quest ($53 per screening, or about $31,000 for 595 employees), and a comparison of Martin and St. Lucie County school district health plans. Staff were asked to consult the labor attorney about possible tobacco-testing or surcharge approaches and to examine other districts’ practices and potential cost effects.

The board also reviewed health-plan claims and self-insurance reserves. For 2025–26, premiums totaled about $18.5 million against $19.6 million in paid claims, a $1.1 million shortfall; the district’s self-insurance reserve was reported at about $3.8 million. The Garing Group outlined a possible employee health center, including local-provider partnerships or other operating models, and discussed pursuing contract and interlocal-agreement options. Its estimates projected clinic operating costs of $1.54 million in year one and claims savings of $1.48 million, with potential net savings in later years; these were preliminary estimates, not an approved project. Staff said they expect to return in November with a hybrid-funding option for the health plan.