School insurance to cover superintendent

A board member warned about job losses should an arbiter decide on a teacher pay increase.

BY JORDAN COHEN

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

NEWTON FALLS — Two board of education members spoke Monday against reinstating schools Superintendent David Wilson to the district’s health care plan at a yearly cost of $12,500.

The effort failed as their three counterparts on the board voted in favor.

Wilson’s insurance had been provided by the State Teachers Retirement System. But the STRS has eliminated medical coverage in an effort to cut its costs and keep pensions solvent.

Wilson said he could not be covered by his wife’s policy and asked the board to cover him with the same policy as the one negotiated with the district’s teachers.

“I don’t support this motion because we are unlikely to do this for other employees,” said board member Don Baker. “This is like we are reopening contract negotiations [with Wilson].” Another board member, Debra Davis, agreed with Baker.

Board President Brenda Koontz was not sympathetic to their objections. She said Wilson’s insurance would not negatively impact the district’s finances. Treasurer Samantha Foy said the money has been budgeted in the general fund.

“I’m not going to vote against someone having insurance,” Koontz said. “That’s crazy.”

Wilson said he will be responsible for premium co-pay.

Meanwhile, one board member warned about job losses should an arbiter decide on a teacher pay increase that exceeds the board’s previous offer. An agreement to enter compulsory arbitration over salaries ended a four-day teacher strike in September. Before the work stoppage, the board had offered a 2 percent pay raise.

“If the arbitrator says 3 percent, teachers will be laid off,” said member Edwin Ballas. His warning brought a quick rejoinder from Koontz.

“That’s just one person’s opinion,” the board president said.

The district’s financial picture may get worse according to a five-year budget forecast from Foy, who projects deficits in 2011 that could grow to more than $2 million by 2013. Her report said her projections could change significantly depending on changes to the state’s tax system and renewal of the current levy in 2010.