School Board delays decision on $119.1 million insurance package for support staff, police

The Clark County School Board late Wednesday delayed a controversial decision on a $119.1 million insurance package for support staff and police workers until next week.

By a vote of 4-0, the only trustees present at the Wednesday meeting agreed to wait until the entire board convenes for an Aug. 3 work session before making a final decision that will impact the health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance benefits for nearly 12,000 employees.

“This is such an important discussion for not only us but for our employees that we would like to have more trustees involved,” said board president and District C Trustee Linda Young.

Board members were the target of intense pressure from Clark County School District workers and representatives of firms who lost their bids for the lucrative insurance contracts to postpone the vote until they had more information.

Specifically, finance officials for the district will gather details on the actual services and costs included in each level of the insurance plans.

The absence of that information shocked some employees who addressed the board Wednesday.

“I don’t know if I’m getting scammed,” said Elena Rodriguez.

District officials estimated that workers should expect a 15 percent jump in out-of-pocket expenses, prompting some support staff workers to detail how they already struggle to afford both medicine for their children and groceries for the week.

Denise Bassett, a veteran bus driver for the district, questioned whether trustees actually felt any sympathy for the rising insurance costs.

“If you guys are so concerned with us, step up (and) fix this. Pay for our increase, because we can’t do it,” she said.

“To talk is a bunch of crap. You guys know that. Show us what you’re going to do for us.”

Contact Neal Morton at nmorton@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0279. Find him on Twitter: @nealtmorton