Issue 1

Health Insurance - this became an issue that is incredibly misunderstood. It is also an issue
that became controversial. This was because of labor laws, union contracts and how they dictate
a process that did not allow the board members to get involved in a fair solution. In my opinion,
the path we choose, is the only path to bridge to a fair, long term, solution.

Health insurance is an employee benefit. Benefits by law are defined as optional incentive.
Therefore there are no labor laws that govern the implementation of employee health
insurance…..yet.

Reasons I would not support funding 12 Million dollars to sure up the Health Trust Fund

1. Using emergency contingency funds would put BPS into a financial emergency status as
defined by state law. This could allow the state to come in and dictate how we would sure up our
out of compliant contingency fund. I did not want to put us into this situation because the
easiest way to generate cash flow, which the state could easily choose, is a salary cut.

2. Allowing the superintendent to find 12 Million dollars without using the contingency fund, could
result in layoffs of 250 or more employees. I cannot support laying off employees to fund other
employees benefits.

3. Funding the 12 Million is not reversible, it does not solve the problem. It only postpones the
same problem which we would have to deal with in 1 year.

Making decisions of this nature includes a wide range of contribution factors. Unless all the
factors are evaluated, the right decision cannot be made. So far everyone who has taken the
time to understand all the factors, agrees with the decision. Yes, even employees.