Time is ticking for teachers to pick health plans as open enrollment for health care has opened and ends Dec. 6. The plans could significantly lower their take-home pay. According to some teachers, these plans may make staying in the district unsustainable. Pittsfield elementary teacher Phoenix Purman, gave insight.
“It is not the district’s fault that healthcare premiums are increasing, but they have an opportunity to support their staff or to harm their staff,” Purman said. “I believe that the district should commit to the step increase and raise they promised, and cover the additional healthcare costs, or give a stipend to offset the additional costs. If they do not, it will cause a mass exodus of teachers who are forced to leave for jobs where they will be better compensated and more highly valued. The district needs to make choices that will help retain its teachers, or the students will be the ones who end up suffering.”
Many teachers are already turning on the district, and they are losing security in their careers.
“Many of my co-workers are dismayed, scared, worried, angry, hurt, etcetera,” Purman added. “Some feel so disillusioned that they are apathetic and aren’t surprised.”
Another community member, Rebecca Adams, was similarly concerned about the healthcare issue.
“Teachers are dismayed, angry, and feel like administration is out of touch with reality and doesn’t care about their struggles,” Adams said.
Not only are many teachers upset and deeply concerned about this issue, but it has harmed the relationship between the school board and our community.
“The school board lacks fiscal responsibility, competency, and transparency,” Adams said. “Parents and teachers no longer trust our board to make sound or compassionate decisions.”
With some teachers struggling to balance their expenses with the actively rising healthcare costs, although the district has not given a definitive plan, there are ideas being put forth to keep teachers from leaving.
“[The school board should be] offering our teachers cheaper and more comprehensive healthcare, and cutting salaries for administrators to fund this option,” Adams stated.
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