ECASD Board of Education Meeting 10/5/2026

The Eau Claire Area School District Board of Education meeting on October 5, 2026, included a preliminary budget presentation and adoption. District staff reported that operating funds 10, 27, and 29 are projected to have an approximately $2.5 million deficit for 2026–27, while declining operational referendum support and ongoing capital-project costs will require continued financial planning. The board approved the preliminary budget by roll-call vote; updated figures are expected after October 15 certifications, ahead of a further budget adoption action planned for October 26. The board also approved the superintendent’s and board’s consent agendas and the R3 student-results monitoring report.

The board received an update from Marsh Agency on the district’s self-funded health plan and 2027 stop-loss renewal, but made no carrier or coverage-level decision. Marsh reported about $4–$4.1 million in annualized savings from vendor-managed services and pharmacy rebates. Renewing at the current $250,000 retention level could add about $796,000 in premium, while other options—including higher retention levels and proposals from Symetra and Sun Life—were discussed. Symetra’s pricing was contingent on moving from Security Health Plan’s network to the Alliance, which the district wishes to avoid if possible. Marsh and district staff will further model claim scenarios, including the high-claim year of 2025, and return with a recommendation; coverage must be bound by the end of October. No contract award or other procurement approval was made.