School save on health insurance

Costs will be reduced between $200,000 and $250,000

Friday, October 14, 2005



BY CASEY HANS

News Staff Reporter



Thanks to health insurance changes, Howell Public Schools will save between $200,000 and $250,000 after approving contracts with all of its bargaining units and staff in recent weeks.



Most are one-year pacts that will keep the district financially limber as it faces the future, said Rick Terres, associate superintendent for school finance. He warned that, even with insurance savings, there are several budget line items that remain fluid and could cost the district more money.



Comparing last year's salaries and insurance costs against wage increases ranging from 2 percent to 2.5 percent plus insurance savings, the district is expected to save the estimated $200,000 and $250,000, Terres said. Insurance savings alone for a full fiscal year could amount to $500,000, he added, although the district is already four months into the new fiscal year, so savings will likely be less for 2005-06.